British High Commissioner Robert Gibson on Monday said independent media, strong parliamentary opposition and institutional independence are essential for strong democracy. Gibson was talking to reporters after his meeting with the City Corporation Mayor Ariful Haque at Nagar Bhaban. Robert Gibson voiced his satisfaction over the recent local government elections, saying that he thought the elections were participatory. Referring to the recent Bangladesh visit by British State Minister for International Development Alan Duncan, the High Commissioner said his country is keen on improving the good bilateral relations between Dhaka and London. He said Britain always welcomes meritorious students to go and study in Britain on student visas. The quality of education in Britain is excellent, but in recent times, some students visiting Britain are moving away from education and getting involved in low skill jobs, he added. They are misusing their student visas, he said. Robert Gibson discussed with the Mayor issues related to the problems of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) now living in Britain, according to officials present at the meeting. Mayor Ariful Haque assured the British envoy that the City Corporation will give all kinds of assistances to the NRBs to ensure that they can invest here without hassles. – UNB
