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Nine British MPs from the three main parties arrive in Dhaka today for a week-long visit to Bangladesh.

The International Development Committee, chaired by Malcolm Bruce MP (Liberal Democrat) is scrutinising the UK’s aid partnership with Bangladesh and the work of the Department for International Development. The terms of reference are to review and assess the scale and scope of the UK development programme, with a particular focus on social services, work with local communities, climate change, governance, private sector and aid effectiveness.

The British MPs will call on the Prime Minister and other Ministers, visit UK funded projects and meet a wide range of development partners, civil society and private sector representatives.

The Committee has already received written and verbal submissions from a range of sources. These can be viewed at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmintdev/memo/bang/contents.htm

The Committee’s report and all the evidence gathered is expected to be published in early 2010.

Notes for Editors

• The International Development Committee is appointed by the UK Parliament to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the UK’s Department for International Development. The Committee also takes an interest in the policies and procedures of the multilateral agencies and non-government organisations to which DFID contributes.

• The UK plans to provide £126 million in bilateral assistance to Bangladesh in 2009-10. Over the next five years, UK aid aims to help Bangladesh reduce poverty and live with the impacts of climate change.

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