Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude to Australia for restarting visa processing operations in Dhaka during a meeting with newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Ryle, at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the High Commissioner announced that visa applications can now be submitted online. She noted that over 65,000 Bangladeshis reside in Australia, in addition to 14,000 students. During their meeting, discussions covered the ongoing reform efforts of the Interim Government, election preparations, expansion of bilateral trade, and the Rohingya crisis.
Prof Yunus emphasized the reform initiatives, stating, "We are going through a series of important changes following chaotic times." He highlighted the focus on constitutional, judicial, and administrative reforms as crucial for building a stronger Bangladesh, and mentioned the upcoming launch of the July Charter to mark the anniversary of the July uprising.
He also mentioned preparations for the upcoming national elections, expressing optimism about the opportunity for people, especially first-time voters, to cast their ballots freely. Prof Yunus described the elections as a potentially festive and hopeful occasion.
In terms of electoral support, Ryle announced that Australia would contribute AUD 2 million through the UNDP to enhance the capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission. She also discussed the growth in bilateral trade, which has reached AUD 5 billion, increasing at an average rate of 16.2 percent annually over the past five years.
The High Commissioner acknowledged the contributions of Bangladeshi students and the diaspora in Australia, noting the Australia Awards' role in creating a network of over 3,000 Bangladeshi alumni contributing to national progress. In response, Prof Yunus encouraged Australia to expand the number of scholarships available to Bangladeshi students.
Addressing the Rohingya issue, Prof Yunus urged Australia to increase humanitarian aid for the one million Rohingyas in Bangladesh. Ryle reaffirmed Australia's commitment, highlighting an additional AUD9.6 million in humanitarian funding and a total assistance of AUD553.6 million since 2017. She assured continued support for the Rohingya people's hope for safe and dignified repatriation.
High Commissioner Ryle expressed her enthusiasm for her new role in Bangladesh, admiring the country's vibrant culture and dynamic political landscape. The meeting was attended by Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Mohammed Nore-Alam, Director General of East Asia and Pacific Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh.