Duchess of Edinburgh arrives tomorrow to spotlight women, Rohingya support

Sophie Helen, the Duchess of Edinburgh, will visit Bangladesh from November 9 to 11, focusing on women's empowerment, the UK-Bangladesh partnership and support for Rohingya refugees.

During the three-day visit, the Duchess will meet communities and organisations reflecting the strength and breadth of bilateral ties, according to a Royal Communications press release circulated by the British High Commission here today.

In Dhaka, she will meet Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and the Prime Minister's spouse, Dr Zubaida Rahman, to discuss shared interests in the welfare, protection and empowerment of women and girls, it added.

The Duchess will visit the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) to learn about Bangladesh's role in United Nations peacekeeping and highlight the importance of women's participation in peace and security.

She will also meet young athletes, including female hockey players, at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), highlighting sport's role in creating opportunities for women and girls.

The visit will include a celebration marking 75 years of the British Council in Bangladesh, where the Duchess will join young people to promote education, cultural exchange and women's empowerment.

In Cox's Bazar, she will see the work of organisations supporting Rohingya refugees and hear about protection and support services for women, girls and families affected by displacement.

Her engagements will highlight efforts to strengthen resilience and leadership within refugee communities, alongside rehabilitation, protection and inclusion services helping displaced women and children build their futures.

The Duchess is visiting Bangladesh at the request of the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She previously visited the country in 2017.