Sophie Helen, the Duchess of Edinburgh, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh from 9 to 11 November to highlight women’s empowerment, the UK-Bangladesh partnership and support for Rohingya refugees.
During her three-day visit, the Duchess will meet communities and organisations showcasing the strength and diversity of bilateral relations, according to a Royal Communications press release circulated by the British High Commission in Dhaka on Saturday.
In Dhaka, she will meet President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister’s spouse Zubaida Rahman to discuss shared priorities concerning the welfare, protection and empowerment of women and girls, the release said.
She will also visit the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) to learn about the country’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations and underscore the importance of women’s participation in peace and security initiatives.
At the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the Duchess will meet young athletes, including female hockey players, to highlight how sports can create opportunities for women and girls.
Her itinerary also includes a celebration marking 75 years of the British Council in Bangladesh.
She will join young people at the event to promote education, cultural exchange and women’s empowerment.
In Cox’s Bazar, the Duchess will visit organisations working to support Rohingya refugees and learn about protection and support services for women, girls and families affected by displacement.
Her engagements will also highlight initiatives to strengthen resilience and leadership within refugee communities, as well as rehabilitation, protection and inclusion services that help displaced women and children build their futures.
The Duchess is undertaking the visit at the request of the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She last visited Bangladesh in 2017.
