The Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Ryle paid a courtesy call on the Leader of the Opposition in the Bangladesh National Parliament, Md Shafiqur Rahman on Monday.
The meeting, held at the Leader of the Opposition’s office in the Parliament Building, featured fruitful discussions on various matters of mutual interest between Bangladesh and Australia. The Australian High Commission’s First Secretaries Anna Peterson and Harry Thompson were also in attendance.
During the dialogue, both sides discussed Shafiqur’s upcoming visit to Australia, the respective roles of the government and the opposition in making democracy more meaningful following the national election, and various methods to further strengthen parliamentary democracy.
It was noted during the meeting that democracy cannot be effective or vibrant without the active participation of the opposition. Furthermore, both parties exchanged views regarding the announced national budget and the shadow budget proposed by the opposition.
Detailed discussions were held on achieving a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis and enhancing Bangladesh’s economic potential, with the development of the energy sector receiving particular emphasis.
Shafiqur expressed his hope for potential cooperation from the Australian government in implementing skill development programmes in Bangladesh. For her part, the Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle praised the constructive role of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Parliament. The two sides also explored ways to further advance bilateral interests in the future.
The meeting was also attended by the Leader of the Opposition’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, Nurunnisa Siddika, and Mardia Mumtaz from the reserved women’s seats, and Ali Ahmed Mabrur, a member of the party’s Foreign Affairs Advisory team.
