Australia reaffirms support for Bangladesh on Rohingya crisis

Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in addressing the protracted Rohingya crisis, signing a new multi-year agreement with BRAC worth A$18 million (around Tk155 crore) to support Rohingya refugees and host communities.

The agreement was signed by Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle and BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh in Dhaka on Wednesday in the presence of Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu.

Under the agreement, BRAC will implement programmes in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char covering healthcare, water and sanitation, education, disaster risk management, skills development and protection for Rohingya refugees and members of host communities.

The assistance will also seek to extend its reach by strengthening the capacity of partner organisations at both local and national levels.

Speaking at the event, Dulu said the Rohingya crisis was not only an issue for Bangladesh but also a global humanitarian crisis.

“Bangladesh has been providing shelter to the Rohingyas for a long time out of its humanitarian responsibility,” he said, adding that continued Australian support would further strengthen Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M Iqbal Hossain and senior officials were also present.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke paid a courtesy call on Dulu at his office at the secretariat on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed various aspects of Bangladesh-UK bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, with emphasis on further strengthening the historic and friendly ties between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in disaster-related areas, including earthquake and lightning preparedness.

They exchanged views on continued UK support for Bangladesh’s economic development and the prospects for expanding bilateral trade and business in the future.

Both sides expressed optimism about taking the long-standing relationship forward and exploring new areas of cooperation.