Australia to continue support for Bangladesh's reform initiatives, envoy tells CA

Highlights

• Discussed issues of mutual interests
• CA Yunus invited the ambassador to the first-anniversary events of the July uprising
• Ambassador Simpson recounted the momentous events of July uprising 

Australia has reiterated its support for the Bangladesh interim government and its reform initiatives. 

Acting Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Nardia Simpson, made the assurance when she made a farewell call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna today (19 January).

During the meeting, Ambassador Simpson recounted the momentous events of July and August. 

The chief adviser and the envoy discussed issues of mutual interests between the two countries.

"It was emotional. We have been on the journey with the people of Bangladesh," said the acting envoy, describing the Bangladeshi people as "very generous and hospitable" and her four-year tenure in the country as wonderful.

Prof Yunus invited the ambassador to join the events marking the first anniversary of the July uprising in August this year. 

He said the government would also invite other ambassadors, who were posted in Bangladesh, during the students-led revolution.

The chief adviser said he would be leading a consensus building commission, which would hold dialogue with the political parties over the reports submitted by the major reform commissions. 

Lamiya Morshed, the principal coordinator of the SDG Affairs, was present at the meeting.