Australian
Acting High Commissioner to Bangladesh Nardia Simpson today (Thursday,
September 19) reiterated that her country will continue to support a democratic
and inclusive future for all Bangladeshis.
She
made the remark while paying her maiden call on Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid
Hossain at the Foreign Ministry.
Welcoming
the Acting High Commissioner, the foreign adviser mentioned the mutual
commitment to democracy, human rights, peace and prosperity between Bangladesh
and Australia.
He
referred to the students-led mass upsurge of Bangladesh in July-August 2024 to
bring a qualitative change in governance and reiterated the government’s
commitments to carry out necessary reforms in various institutions in line with
that spirit.
The
envoy expressed her condolence for the loss of lives and properties during the
recent turmoil.
She
acknowledged the role of the Foreign Ministry and others agencies concerned to
ensure security for the Dhaka-based foreign missions.
She
stated the importance of relations between the two countries and referred to
the last bilateral visit of the Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong
to Bangladesh in May 2024.
Foreign
Adviser stressed the importance to increase the existing cooperation in terms
of political engagement, trade, investment, human resources development and
people to people contact.
He
mentioned the potentials for increased international student enrolment from
Bangladesh due to rising incomes and suggesting ease of student visa
processing.
He
informed that Bangladesh does not support irregular migration in any form and is
ready to cooperate in returning its irregular nationals in Australia through
established processes.
The
Adviser thanked for Australia’s continued support extended to the Rohingya
population sheltered in Bangladesh. He
highlighted the risk for increased security concern in the region posed by this
crisis.
The
foreign advisor also stressed the need for more international pressure on
Myanmar towards the repatriation process, which is the ultimate solution of
this protracted crisis.