Special Correspondent :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed gratitude to the Australian government for resuming visa processing operations in Dhaka, marking a significant step toward deepening bilateral cooperation. The announcement came during a meeting with newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Ryle, at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday.
“Visa applications can now be submitted online,” High Commissioner Ryle confirmed a move expected to ease travel for thousands of Bangladeshis. Currently, over 65,000 Bangladeshis, including 14,000 students, reside in Australia.
The visit focused on wide-ranging issues, including democratic reforms, trade expansion, education, and the Rohingya crisis.
“We are going through a series of important changes following chaotic times,” said Prof Yunus, outlining his government’s commitment to constitutional, judicial, and administrative reforms. He added that the Interim Government is working with all political parties to ensure a peaceful transition and that a “July Charter” will be unveiled next month to mark the anniversary of the historic July uprising.
Support for elections and reforms
In a major show of support for Bangladesh’s democratic process, High Commissioner Ryle announced that Australia will contribute AUD 2 million through the UNDP to strengthen the Bangladesh Election Commission’s institutional and technical capacity.
Prof Yunus welcomed the support, adding, “For the first time in years, people, especially first-time voters, will have a real opportunity to cast their ballots freely. I believe it will be a festive and hopeful occasion.”
Growing trade and education ties
The meeting also highlighted the robust growth in bilateral trade, which has reached AUD 5 billion, growing at an average of 16.2% annually over the past five years. Ryle emphasized the growing contribution of Bangladeshi students and the Diaspora in Australia, noting the impact of the Australia Awards program, which has created a network of more than 3,000 Bangladeshi alumni.
Prof Yunus called on Australia to expand scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students, emphasizing the importance of education in driving the country’s development.
Humanitarian assistance for Rohingyas
The Rohingya crisis was a key point of discussion. Prof Yunus urged greater international support, and in response, High Commissioner Ryle announced an additional AUD 9.6 million in humanitarian aid for the Rohingyas and host communities, bringing Australia’s total assistance since 2017 to AUD 553.6 million.
“Australia will continue to support Bangladesh in ensuring the hope of the Rohingya people for safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation, once conditions in Myanmar permit,” she said.
Strengthening Bangladesh-Australia relations
The resumption of visa services in Dhaka is expected to significantly benefit Bangladesh by facilitating people-to-people contact, supporting family reunification, and enhancing educational and professional mobility. The renewed cooperation also reflects growing trust and shared interests between the two nations.
High Commissioner Ryle expressed enthusiasm for her new role, saying, “I’m truly excited to be here. I have long admired Bangladesh’s vibrant culture and dynamic political landscape.”
The meeting was also attended by Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Director General of East Asia & Pacific Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Nore-Alam.
With diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian ties strengthening, Bangladesh stands to gain significantly from this renewed engagement with Australia, both in the short and long term.
