In a statement issued this week, Rushanara said, ‘It has been a pleasure to serve as the UK prime minister’s trade envoy to Bangladesh since 2016. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and opportunity the role has brought, and I leave the role with pride, knowing that I have contributed to building strong bilateral relationships between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh.’

‘The cross-party nature of the trade envoy network is one of its great strengths. In my case, the role afforded me the opportunity to support and deepen relations and our economic ties between the UK and Bangladesh,’ she said. She also sent a letter to UK prime minister Rishi Sunak.