Online Desk  :   Australian Acting High Commissioner to Bangladesh Nardia Simpson on Thursday iterated 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.