CA expresses gratitude to Australia for restarting visa services in Dhaka

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus Thanks Australia as Visa Processing Resumes in Dhaka

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed his appreciation to Australia for resuming visa processing operations in Dhaka during a meeting with newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Ryle, at the State Guest House Jamuna today.

“Visa applications can now be submitted online,” Ryle said, noting that over 65,000 Bangladeshis currently reside in Australia, alongside an additional 14,000 Bangladeshi students.

During their meeting, the two discussed a wide range of issues, including the Interim Government's ongoing reform agenda, preparations for the upcoming elections, expansion of bilateral trade, and the Rohingya crisis.

“We are navigating through a critical period of transformation after years of turmoil,” Prof Yunus said, emphasizing the government’s reform initiatives.
“Our priorities include constitutional, judicial, and administrative reforms — these are the cornerstones of a stronger Bangladesh. We are working in close consultation with all political parties to ensure a smooth transition. Next month, we will introduce the July Charter to mark the anniversary of the historic July uprising,” he added.

Speaking about the upcoming elections, Prof Yunus stated, “For the first time in many years, citizens, especially first-time voters, will have a genuine chance to cast their ballots freely. I expect the polls to be a celebration of hope.”

In support of the electoral process, Ryle announced Australia’s commitment of AUD 2 million through the UNDP to strengthen the institutional, technical, and operational capacities of the Bangladesh Election Commission.

On economic relations, Ryle highlighted that bilateral trade between Australia and Bangladesh has reached AUD 5 billion, growing at an average annual rate of 16.2% over the past five years. She also praised the contributions of Bangladeshi students and the diaspora, noting, “The Australia Awards program has built a vibrant network of over 3,000 Bangladeshi alumni who are playing significant roles in your country’s development.”

Prof Yunus, in response, encouraged Australia to expand scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students.

Turning to the Rohingya crisis, Prof Yunus appealed to Australia for increased humanitarian support to assist over one million Rohingyas currently living in Bangladesh.

In reply, Ryle reaffirmed Australia’s commitment: “Australia recently provided an additional AUD 9.6 million in humanitarian aid through key partners, bringing our total assistance for Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh to AUD 553.6 million since 2017.”

She added, “Australia will continue to support Bangladesh’s efforts to ensure safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya people when conditions in Myanmar allow.”

High Commissioner Ryle also expressed enthusiasm about her new assignment in Dhaka, saying, “I am truly excited to be here. I have long admired Bangladesh’s vibrant culture and dynamic political landscape.”

The meeting was attended by Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Mohammed Nore-Alam, Director General of the East Asia & Pacific Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh.