Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle made a courtesy call on Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Md. Shafiqur Rahman at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Monday.
According to an official press release, the two sides held fruitful discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest concerning both Bangladesh and Australia.
The high-level meeting primarily focused on the opposition leader’s upcoming visit to Australia, the respective roles of the government and opposition parties in making democracy more meaningful in the post-election period and strategies to further strengthen parliamentary democracy within Bangladesh.
Both sides observed during the talks that democracy cannot be effective and vibrant without the active participation of the opposition.
They also exchanged views on the proposed national budget recently announced by the government, contrasting it with the opposition’s proposed shadow budget.
The humanitarian sphere was also addressed, with the meeting discussing the protracted Rohingya crisis and the critical need for a sustainable solution.
Additionally, the dignitaries evaluated Bangladesh’s overarching economic prospects, placing a particular emphasis on the development of the country’s energy sector.
At one stage of the discussion, Shafiqur Rahman expressed optimism about possible Australian support for the implementation of comprehensive skills development programmes in Bangladesh.
High Commissioner Ryle praised the constructive role played by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Parliament.
Looking ahead, the two sides explored various ways to further advance bilateral cooperation and continue addressing issues of mutual interest in the future.
The meeting was also attended by Australian High Commission First Secretary Anna Peterson and Harry Thompson.
Present from the host nation's side were the Opposition Leader’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, MP; reserved-seat MPs Nurunnisa Siddika and Mardia Mumtaz; and member of the party’s foreign affairs advisory team Ali Ahmed Mabrur.
