Dhaka: UK Permanent Secretary for the Department for International Development (DFID) Mark Lowcock arrived in Dhaka on Sunday to see how UKaid is contributing to growth and poverty reduction to help the people of Bangladesh.

This is Mark Lowcock’s second visit to Bangladesh as he last visited the country in 2011, according to a media release issued by the British High Commission in Dhaka.

During his visit, Mark will meet a diverse range of people, including senior government officials, partners, beneficiaries, youth leaders and members of the international and business communities to share views on the development agenda and discuss how UKaid can help Bangladesh reduce poverty and achieve its ambition to become a middle-income country.

His visit will also include listening to young girls and women who have set up their own businesses and acquired new vocational skills as a direct result of UKaid programmes.

Empowering girls and women is at the front and centre of the UK government’s priorities on development.

The UK government is the largest bilateral donor of Bangladesh with an aid programme directly helping millions of the poorest people in the country.