Salisbury's Mayor forging stronger links with Bangladesh

Cllr Atiqul Hoque has been attending a Trade Forum in his homeland

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 22nd Sep 2023

Salisbury's Mayor has been working to strengthen the links between the city and Bangladesh.

Cllr Atiqul Hoque has been attending a Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum in Dhaka.

That came at the invitation of the Chair of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Lord Marland of Odstock.

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Shiekh Hasina, and senior ministers, were also at the event, with Cllr Hoque telling her about Salisbury's unique connections to the country.

Former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath, who lived in Salisbury, acknowledged Bangladesh as a free, independent country back in 1972, encouraging other world leaders to do the same.

A plaque of appreciation to Sir Edward from Bangladesh is still on display at his home, Arundells in the Cathedral Close to this day.

Cllr Hoque is also the city's first British Bangladeshi Mayor.

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister told him during the meeting that she'll do her upmost best to visit Salisbury on her next visit to the UK.

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