Dhaka: British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Alison Blake has said the UK's ties to Bangladesh are nowhere stronger than in Sylhet Division, home to 40,000 British residents and where most of Britain's 500,000 Bangladeshi heritage citizens have their roots.

The High Commissioner made the remark while concluding her three-day visit to Sylhet division on Wednesday.

"I was delighted to get to see Sylhet and meet its communities and people from Tamabil to Srimongol. I was overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the welcome and by the determination of everyone I met to develop this region and work for the betterment of all who live here," she said.

The High Commissioner said she was especially privileged to be able to share iftar in this holy month of Ramadan with many of friends and colleagues, according to the British High Commission.

"This includes those working with UK support, including UK aid, to reduce poverty, provide education and employment and to build prosperity while safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the citizens of both our countries."

During her visit, she met senior government officials, members of parliament, the Sylhet city mayor and business leaders, including representatives from Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and also hosted an iftar reception.

While in Sylhet, she visited a selection of UK aid-funded projects, including education and skills development projects run by partner organisations BRAC and UCEP.

Blake has been the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh since January 2016, and this is her second visit to Sylhet.