In Dhaka, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman met with Australian officials to discuss combating human trafficking and irregular migration. The discussions also covered enhancing regular migration pathways for Bangladeshi nationals and strengthening educational collaborations.
Combating Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration
Dr Khalilur Rahman highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between Bangladesh and Australia in addressing the challenges of irregular migration and human trafficking. He met with Hon. Julian Hill MP, Australia's Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education, at the state guest house Padma.
Dr Rahman emphasized the need to create more regular migration pathways for Bangladeshi workers and reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration. The Australian minister commended the contributions of the growing Bangladeshi community in Australia to the country's economy and multicultural society.
Educational Collaboration and Humanitarian Aid
The ministers discussed the importance of strengthening collaboration between Australian and Bangladeshi universities through joint academic programs and institutional partnerships. Additionally, they witnessed the signing of an agreement for additional humanitarian aid from Australia to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Following the meeting, Australia announced an additional AUD 25.25 million in humanitarian assistance through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to support life-saving services and protection for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. The agreement was signed by Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle and UNHCR Acting Country Representative Juliette Murekeyisoni.
Earlier in the day, Assistant Minister Hill met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. Their discussions focused on cooperation in regular and irregular migration, skills development, higher education, energy, and women's empowerment.
Assistant Minister Hill is on a two-day official visit to Bangladesh, during which he also held separate meetings with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Education Minister A. N. M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon, and Education Adviser Mahdi Amin.






























