2024-09-20 18:01:24
Published: 17:23, 19 September 2024
‘Bangladesh does not support irregular migration in any way. Bangladesh is ready to cooperate in the return of irregular migrants from Australia through the established process.
During the meeting with Australia’s Acting High Commissioner Nardiya Simpson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (September 19), Foreign Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain. Nardia Simpson met with the foreign affairs adviser for the first time today.
The advisor welcomed the Acting High Commissioner of Australia. He mentioned the mutual commitment between Bangladesh and Australia towards democracy, human rights, peace and prosperity. He referred to the mass uprising of the students of Bangladesh in July-August 2024 to bring qualitative changes in the governance system and reiterated the government’s commitment to carry out necessary reforms in line with that spirit.
Australia’s Acting High Commissioner expressed grief over the recent loss of life and property. He acknowledged the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other related organizations in ensuring the security of foreign missions in Dhaka. Nardia Simpson highlighted the importance of the relationship between the two countries. He referred to the last bilateral visit of Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong to Bangladesh in May 2024. Australia will continue to support a democratic and inclusive future for Bangladeshis, he said.
The adviser emphasized on enhancing existing cooperation in political engagement, trade, investment, human resource development and people-to-people contacts. He mentioned the possibility of enrolling international students from Bangladesh and suggested easing the processing of student visas.
The Foreign Affairs Adviser thanked Australia for its continued assistance to the Rohingya community in Bangladesh. He highlighted the regional security risks posed by the crisis and stressed the need for more international pressure on Myanmar towards the repatriation process, as the ultimate solution to the protracted crisis.
Hasan/Rafiq