Dave Sharma, senator for New South Wales in Australia, has formally congratulated Tarique Rahman on his appointment as the BNP chairman.
In a letter issued Wednesday, Senator Sharma noted that the Australian people and many within the Australian Parliament have been following developments in Bangladesh with “great interest and concern,” particularly since the student-led protest movement of 2024 and the subsequent tragic loss of life.
He observed that the political uprising highlighted a profound desire among the Bangladeshi people, especially the youth, for a future defined by transparency, justice, the rule of law, and equality of opportunity.
The senator reaffirmed that Australia remains a “steadfast friend” to Bangladesh during its current transitional period. He expressed a keen desire to see the “full restoration of democratic rule” through a process that reflects the will of the people.
Central to this restoration, he argued, is upholding the integrity of key institutions – the judiciary, the electoral commission, the civil service, and a pluralistic Jatiya Sangsad – which he described as the “bedrock of any stable democracy.”
Senator Sharma also emphasised the importance Australia places on the protection of minority rights, specifically mentioning Bangladesh’s Hindu community. He further stressed the necessity of preserving fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and equality before the law.
The correspondence highlighted that inclusive governance, where every citizen feels safe and represented, serves as the most effective catalyst for sustainable economic development.
A stable and rights-respecting Bangladesh, the senator noted, would attract the “international confidence” necessary to bolster trade, investment, and prosperity for all citizens.
Acknowledging Tarique’s “profound and enduring contribution” to the political and economic development of the country, Senator Sharma expressed confidence that his leadership of the BNP would further these shared goals.
Sharma noted he was especially encouraged by the emphasis Tarique has placed in recent months on “national consensus and avoiding the politics of retribution.”
The senator concluded by offering his best wishes to Tarique Rahman for his endeavours and leadership during this “pivotal time” for the nation, assuring him of the support of many Australians for his success.
