Home Minister meets Australian Assistant Minister; discussions on strengthening cooperation on migration and Rohingya issue

The meeting was held in a highly cordial atmosphere at the office of the Home Minister in the Ministry of Home Affairs at Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (August 3) afternoon.

In the meeting, the Home Minister said Australia is one of Bangladesh's most important and long-standing trusted development and strategic partners. He expressed optimism that the relationship between the two countries will become even stronger in the future based on mutual respect and regional security.

He further said that in line with the Prime Minister's 'Bangladesh First' policy, the current government is working to establish good governance, ensure inclusive and sustainable development, and enhance regional cooperation.

Julian Hill said people-to-people contact between the peoples of Bangladesh and Australia is the fundamental basis of bilateral relations. He expressed hope that Australia considers Bangladesh as an important friend and partner and that this partnership will be further expanded in the future.

The meeting also discussed in detail the prevention of irregular migration and human trafficking through various routes, including Europe. At that time, the Home Minister informed that the 'Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act-2026' was recently passed in the National Parliament. Highlighting the government's strong stance against irregular migration, he emphasized mutual cooperation and intelligence sharing in implementing the Bali Process.

Appreciating Bangladesh's new anti-human trafficking law, the Australian Assistant Minister proposed technical and integrated support for its effective implementation. He also mentioned the need to ensure the swift and effective return of irregular migrants for a well-managed migration system.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, the Home Minister said that the safe and sustainable repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens is the only lasting solution to this crisis. He requested Australia to play an active role in keeping the issue high on the international community's priority agenda.

Also present at the meeting were Additional Secretary (Political and Emigration) of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary Rebeka Khan, Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle, and officials from both countries.