Honorary consul of Ireland Masud Khan hosts dinner in honour of Irish Ambassador, visiting baroness

Honorary consul of Ireland in Bangladesh and Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group, Masud Jamil Khan, hosted a farewell dinner in honour of Baroness Nuala O’Loan, a member of the UK House of Lords and the first Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, in Bangladesh and Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to Bangladesh (based in Delhi), at his residence in Dhaka recently.

The evening brought together academics, diplomats, business leaders and artists, marking the culmination of a week of cultural and diplomatic engagements involving the visiting dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Kevin Kelly expressed appreciation for the warmth and hospitality extended by the hosts.

“Your beautiful home feels more like an art gallery than a home — and we always feel so welcome here,” he said.

Reflecting on the broader cooperation between Ireland, the UK, and the European Union, Ambassador Kelly added:

“It’s quite symbolic that Michael (Miller, EU ambassador) and Sarah (Cooke, UK high commissioner) have collaborated with us on this initiative. We’re now in a really good space with the new British and Irish governments, working closely to complete the peace process efforts. The EU played such an important role in that journey, so it’s wonderful to have this kind of symmetry here.”

He also lauded Baroness O’Loan for her dedication during her brief but impactful visit.

“She’s been such a good sport. Since leaving Ballymena on Tuesday morning, she’s hardly slept — yet she’s been full of energy, engaging, and insightful throughout. I’ve learned so much from our conversations, and I’m deeply grateful for the time she’s given us,” said Kelly.

In her remarks, Baroness Nuala O’Loan shared her reflections on Bangladesh’s resilience and progress.

“I watched the unrest in July and August (2024) and wondered what might happen — whether the country would fall apart. But the people of Bangladesh have shown a deep desire to move forward peacefully and constructively,” she said.

“I’ve been very impressed by the leadership and the work being done by the chief adviser and the national security adviser. You have a long journey ahead, but it has been a privilege to share a few thoughts and to be heard with such openness,” she added.

Expressing gratitude to her hosts, Baroness O’Loan noted, “To spend two days and one night in Bangladesh isn’t long, but I’m leaving with such a strong impression — one I will take home with me to London and to Ireland.”

Masud Jamil Khan said he had received a call from Ambassador Kelly from Delhi one morning, in which he shared the idea of bringing Baroness O' Loan to Bangladesh, given her background and expertise in post-conflict resolution, in police reform. "And I said yes it’s an excellent idea — and very timely too, right before the elections,” he recalled.

That was followed by two-three months of planning, strategising, and logistics.

"We had our first meeting with the Chief Advisor and the IGP, then a roundtable discussion and earlier today, we had a very good and engaging public lecture and discussion with DGFI. It’s been an intense two days — but a very successful visit, I must say," Masud recounted of Baroness O' Loan's stay here.

He said this was the first of its kind, and believed there would definitely be a part two — either here in Bangladesh or in IreChief

The position of police ombudsman for Northern Ireland was created through the Good Friday Agreement, that was signed in 1998 to bring the Troubles to an end. In this role, from 2000 – 2007, she was responsible for the investigation of all complaints of criminal and non-criminal misconduct against the police.

It was widely acknowledged that she performed the role with distinction, and it built for her a reputation that subsequently saw her act in an advisory capacity to the police or policing watchdogs in dozens of countries including India, Brazil, South Africa, the USA and several European countries.

"And just from watching her over the past couple of days, in the meetings I’ve attended, I have to say — I’m genuinely touched and very impressed by the way she engages with people. She has this magical quality, this warmth and aura, that makes people feel instantly comfortable and open. I saw it with my own eyes, and it was truly incredible.

"We’re very lucky to have her here. And for Bangladesh, I sincerely hope there will be a continuation — a “Part Two," he added.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller, and many others attended the dinner.