Bangla Press Desk: The Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at his office in Bashundhara on Thursday morning.
The meeting, held over breakfast in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, was attended by Deputy High Commissioner Clinton Pobke, First Political Secretary Anna Peterson, and two other officials from the Australian High Commission, said a press release.
Representing Jamaat-e-Islami at the meeting were Secretary General and former member of parliament Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General and head of the party’s Central Publicity and Media Department Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Central Majlish-e-Shura member Maulana Yasin Arafat.
At the outset of the meeting, the Australian high commissioner inquired about Shafiqur Rahman’s health and wished him a speedy and complete recovery.
Discussions focused on Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections under the proportional representation (PR) system and Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in strengthening democracy. The party’s position on women’s rights — including participation in social, economic, and administrative spheres — and ensuring their freedom to work independently was also highlighted.
Both sides discussed Bangladesh’s economic prospects, particularly the development of the energy and ready-made garment sectors.
The Australian high commissioner commended Jamaat-e-Islami’s stated commitment to promoting a corruption-free society.
The meeting also explored avenues to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including Australia’s potential support for Bangladesh’s skill development programmes as part of future development partnerships.
BP/TD
