A courtesy meeting was held between the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and the Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Ryle. The meeting took place on Monday (June 15) at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition located in the National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) Bhaban.
The Australian High Commissioner was accompanied by Harry Thomson, First Secretary (Political), and Anna Peterson, First Secretary (Political) of the Australian High Commission. Key Discussions Between the Jamaat Ameer and the Australian High Commissioner
The Leader of the Opposition was accompanied by his Foreign Affairs Advisor and Member of Parliament, Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman; Jamaat’s MPs from the reserved women’s seats, Marzia Akhter and Mardia Momtaz; and Foreign Affairs Advisory Team member, Ali Ahmad Mabrur.
According to Jamaat sources, the discussion focused on the Opposition Leader’s upcoming visit to Australia, the respective roles of the government and the opposition in making democracy more meaningful in the post-parliamentary election period, and various ways to further strengthen parliamentary democracy. During the meeting, both sides expressed the view that democracy cannot be functional and vibrant without the active participation of the opposition. They also exchanged views on the announced national budget and the shadow budget proposed by the opposition.
Furthermore, the meeting featured detailed discussions on achieving a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis and developing Bangladesh’s economic potential, with particular emphasis placed on the development of the energy sector. At one point during the discussion, the Australian High Commissioner praised the constructive role played by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in parliament. Both sides also explored various avenues to further advance bilateral interests and mutual cooperation in the future, including potential assistance from the Australian government in implementing skill development programs in Bangladesh.
