Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie to Visit Bangladesh for 3 Days

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. Photo: Collected

The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, will arrive in Bangladesh on November 9 for a three-day official visit aimed at highlighting the strength and breadth of the partnership between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh.

According to an announcement by Buckingham Palace, the Duchess will stay in Bangladesh until November 11. Her engagements will focus primarily on the welfare, protection and empowerment of women and girls.

In Dhaka, she will be received by President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

During her visit, Sophie will travel to the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) to learn about the country’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions and highlight the importance of women’s participation in peace and security.

She will also visit the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), where she is expected to meet young athletes, including female hockey players. The programme will highlight the role of sports in creating opportunities for women and girls.

The Duchess will attend a special event with young people marking the 75th anniversary of the British Council in Bangladesh. The event will highlight education, cultural exchange and women's empowerment.

After completing her engagements in Dhaka, Sophie will travel to Cox’s Bazar to see the work of international and local organisations supporting Rohingya refugees.

During her visit to the refugee camps, she will learn about protection and support services for forcibly displaced women, children and families.

She will also observe initiatives aimed at strengthening women's and children's leadership and resilience in refugee communities.

Sophie is the wife of Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, who is the younger brother of King Charles III.