Australia-Bangladesh agree to promote regular migration, cooperation
Bangladesh and Australia have underscored the need to contain irregular migration while stressing effective initiatives from both sides to facilitate and promote safe and regular migration.
This was the focus of discussions held during a bilateral meeting in Dhaka on October 31, where Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke met with Md Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser.
The meeting addressed mutual priorities for migration management, with both nations agreeing on the importance of joint efforts to facilitate secure migration channels. Burke expressed appreciation for the Bangladeshi community in Australia, noting that over 50,000 individuals of Bangladeshi origin currently reside there, contributing significantly to Australian society.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain thanked Burke for his support of the Bangladeshi diaspora and emphasized Bangladesh’s desire to strengthen ties with Australia through expanded trade and increased student enrolment in Australian universities. Both sides also discussed the growing involvement of Bangladeshi IT professionals in Australia’s outsourcing industry.
Hossain took the opportunity to share insights into recent reforms aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of Bangladesh’s youth, highlighting the spirit behind the student-led movement that shaped the current interim government.
This visit marks a positive step in fostering bilateral relations, with both nations aligned on enhancing safe migration and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.