UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) provided to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh was £36.6 million in 2021-22, £20.2 million in 2022-23 and £22.8 million in 2023-24, £43 million in 2024-25 and £36.59 million in 2025-26.

For 2026-27, £18.15 million has been allocated for the response. £6.3 million has been disbursed to date, and 15 per cent of the funding is being held in reserve in line with central guidance. £19 million has been confirmed annually until FY 2028/29.

For detail on future funding, including in Bangladesh, I refer the Noble Lord to statement HLWS292 (https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2026-07-16/hlws292) made by the Minister of State for International Development and Africa on the 16 July 2026 (The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's planned ODA programme country and regional allocations 2026/27 - 2028/29). As noted in the statement, we will retain a significant humanitarian spend that will focus on alleviating the Rohingya crisis.

This information is not published and could only be collected and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

All asylum claims are considered on their individual merits, and decision makers assess the credibility and reliability of evidence submitted in support of a claim in accordance with published asylum guidance.

All asylum claims are considered on their individual merits, and decision makers assess the credibility and reliability of evidence submitted in support of a claim in accordance with published asylum guidance.

In line with established case law and Home Office guidance, enquiries may be undertaken in limited circumstances to verify the authenticity of documents where appropriate. Consistent with established principles, it is for the claimant to demonstrate that evidence submitted in support of their claim can be relied upon. The reliability of evidence is assessed in the round and the weight attached to that evidence is a matter for the decision maker.

The UK’s asylum policy statement, published in November 2025, sets out a new approach to protection in the UK, which marks a significant change in direction away from an assumption of offering permanent protection, and towards protection that is granted for the duration of need, which we call ‘Core Protection’.   For people who claim asylum and are granted protection in the UK, we will provide support for refugees that is entirely in accordance with our international obligations but does not exceed them.

Refugee status will be granted for the duration of need, lasting only until a refugee can safely return home. Asylum seekers and refugees will not be offered the generous terms they currently receive.  We will no longer have a duty to support those who have the ability to support themselves, nor those who break our laws or rules.

The need for protection is not always permanent and we therefore reassess whether all individuals granted temporary protection, including nationals of Bangladesh, still require protection before granting them further permission to stay or settlement in the UK.

Each case is considered on its individual merits against the background of relevant caselaw and the latest available country of origin information. Our assessment of the situation of a given group in a given country, is set out in the relevant Country Policy and Information Note. We keep all country guidance relating to asylum claims under constant review so we can respond to emerging issues such as challenges in Bangladesh. The CPIN for Bangladesh is available on GOV.UK at: Bangladesh: country policy and information notes - GOV.UK

All safe return reviews of those who have been granted protection in the UK, including nationals of Bangladesh, will continue to be carefully considered on their individual merits. This includes assessing whether there have been significant changes in country conditions or personal circumstances, which means that an individual no longer needs our protection.

Settlement is a privilege, not an automatic right, and provides permission to stay in the UK permanently and freedom from immigration control for those who still require protection. Once someone has been given settlement, protection status can potentially be revoked where evidence emerges that status was obtained by deception; where there is a significant and non-temporary change in the country situation and protection is no longer needed; or where someone commits a serious crime, represents a threat to our national security or demonstrates extremist behaviour.

All cases are considered on a case-by-case basis and protection status will only be revoked in these circumstances where there is no protection need on any grounds. We will not remove anyone to their own or any other country where they have a well-founded fear of persecution or are at risk of serious harm.

This information is not published and could only be collected and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

All asylum claims are considered on their individual merits, and decision makers assess the credibility and reliability of evidence submitted in support of a claim in accordance with published asylum guidance.

The UK regularly engages with the Government of Bangladesh on a range of issues, including governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The previous Minister for the Indo-Pacific met Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman on 17 February and reinforced the UK's commitment to working with the Government of Bangladesh to advance democratic, economic and social reforms.

The UK condemns all acts of violence targeting religious or ethnic minorities and continues to emphasise the importance of protecting the rights of all communities to the Bangladesh Government.

The UK regularly engages with the Government of Bangladesh on a range of issues, including governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The previous Minister for the Indo-Pacific met Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman on 17 February and reinforced the UK's commitment to working with the Government of Bangladesh to advance democratic, economic and social reforms.

The UK condemns all acts of violence targeting religious or ethnic minorities and continues to emphasise the importance of protecting the rights of all communities to the Bangladesh Government.

The UK regularly engages with the Government of Bangladesh on a range of issues, including governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The former Minister for the Indo-Pacific met Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman on 17 February and reinforced the UK's commitment to working with the Government of Bangladesh to advance democratic, economic and social reforms.

The UK has engaged with the Government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders on recent human rights legislation, including legislation relating to enforced disappearances, emphasising the importance of accountability and compliance with international standards.

The UK supports a strong, independent and effective National Human Rights Commission, aligned with international standards.

The UK regularly engages with the Government of Bangladesh on a range of issues, including governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The former Minister for the Indo-Pacific met Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman on 17 February and reinforced the UK's commitment to working with the Government of Bangladesh to advance democratic, economic and social reforms.

The UK has engaged with the Government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders on recent human rights legislation, including legislation relating to enforced disappearances, emphasising the importance of accountability and compliance with international standards.

The UK supports a strong, independent and effective National Human Rights Commission, aligned with international standards.

The UK is committed to fighting corruption and illicit finance both domestically and internationally. The UK is fully committed to recovering and returning corruptly obtained assets. This must be done in accordance with legal due process, which can take time, but ensures a fully fair and transparent process.

The National Crime Agency is part of the UK's effort to support Bangladesh in this area, as well as wider engagement on law enforcement issues. As a matter of policy, we do not routinely confirm or deny NCA investigations.

The Department for Transport (DfT) works with international partners to support and strengthen aviation security standards at last points of departure to the UK. This includes technical cooperation and, where necessary, in‑country activity to provide assurance and support effective delivery at airports. Where possible, visits were combined with other engagements to minimise costs and reduce the need for multiple journeys.

All visits were approved by a Deputy Director (Senior Civil Servant) in DfT’s Transport Security Division in line with departmental policy.

• 25^th and 26^th August 2025 – The flights undertaken on these dates involved two Senior Executive Officers (SEO) and one Executive Officer (EO) travelling to conduct two separate airport assessments for assurance purposes. Total cost: £7,178.32

• 15^th September 2025 – This was for one DfT official at EO grade and two DfT approved third party trainers to deliver capability development training. No Ministers or Senior Officials attended. Total cost: £12,543.51.

The visits to Bangladesh were undertaken to support ongoing aviation security activity. While a significant proportion of DfT’s international aviation security activity is conducted remotely, certain elements of technical engagement and training require presence on the ground, particularly where activity is focused on operational environments such as airports.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 22 June in response to Question 10876.

The UK condemns all acts of violence targeting religious or ethnic minorities and continues to emphasise the importance of protecting the rights of all communities to the Bangladesh Government.

Following the February 2026 elections, I visited Bangladesh and met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, where the Government of Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion. We welcome the Government's early steps to protect and reassure all communities, and its stated intention to build a Bangladesh that serves every citizen.

Our commitment to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) is reflected in our £27 million Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme (2023-2028), which aims to protect civic space, foster inclusive dialogue, and address tensions that can lead to violence.

I met Prime Minister Rahman on 17 February and reinforced the UK's commitment to working with the Government of Bangladesh to advance democratic, economic and social reforms. I welcomed the peaceful and credible parliamentary elections held earlier that month as an important step forward for the country and its people. The UK continues to encourage the Bangladeshi authorities to work towards a sustainable and inclusive political settlement in the interests of all Bangladeshis, and to ensure that the rights and voices of minority groups and civil society are recognised within that process.

The UK is committed to ending child labour globally, including in Bangladesh, and to ensuring UK businesses do not benefit from it.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with partners to engage businesses and investors to raise awareness of child labour risks in supply chains. This year, we have supported the Child Rights Action Hub in Bangladesh to reduce risks in informal, lower-tier supply chains. The Hub has trained 35 Child Rights Focal Points to identify child labour risks and strengthen community-based referral pathways. It has also engaged major textile industry associations to increase visibility of child labour risks in ready-made garment supply chains and promote sector-led action.

The FCDO's Asia Regional Child Labour Programme, our largest programme on child labour, supported interventions to reduce the vulnerability of children to exploitation across South Asia, including Bangladesh.

We will continue to work with international partners to accelerate progress towards ending child labour in line with Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7.

Russia's recruitment of foreign nationals to fight in its illegal war against Ukraine is deeply concerning. The UK condemns any deception, coercion or trafficking linked to Russia's war effort and is working with partners to expose these practices, support accountability and disrupt those responsible. On 5 May, the UK announced sanctions targeting networks involved in trafficking vulnerable migrants to support Russia's war effort, including deceptive recruitment and exploitation. The UK calls for full compliance with international humanitarian law, including the humane treatment of prisoners of war and appropriate access and protection arrangements.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 March in response to Question 112260.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 March in response to Question 112260.