Describing his long attachment with Bangladesh as ‘magnificent and memorable’, outgoing British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert Gibson said he wanted to use his skills of diplomacy in Bangladesh after his retirement.
“After 40 years of diplomacy with 15 years experience in Bangladesh, I hope to use the skills in someway to continue my relationship with Bangladesh and consider my advocacy for Bangladesh,” he said.
The diplomat made the remark while addressing his informal farewell reception at his residence on Tuesday night.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, former Commerce Minister Faruk Khan, business leaders, senior journalists and political leaders were present at the programme.
Gibson, who spent much of his professional life in Bangladesh than in any other country including his home the UK, leaves Dhaka this month. UK’s former Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan Alison Blake will take over in January next.
The outgoing envoy has been working for the last four years as the High Commissioner.
Gibson said he liked the people of Bangladesh the most and he was so moved by the warmth and kindness of the people that his departure is ‘like leaving home’.
The diplomat hoped that Bangladesh would remain a valued member in the Commonwealth and in the international community. “My hope is that Bangladesh will continue to support the international development goals and continue to play pivotal and essential role in the international peacekeeping,” he added.
Gibson also wished to see Bangladesh as a country practising democracy where freedom is respected and everyone, irrespective of their religion and creed, lives in peace and harmony.
Referring to 64 districts’ visits by former US Ambassador Dan Mozena, Gibson said he cannot claim that he visited every district in the country like Mozena. “I’ve tried to visit as many as I can. Wherever I go I find every child, every family and every village has a story to tell.”