Australian High Commissioner in Dhaka Greg Wilcock on Wednesday met
new Foreign Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali and discussed a ‘range of
issues’, including the current political development in Bangladesh.
“We spoke, very naturally, about the short time and about the weeks
ahead of Bangladesh and the challenges the country faces,” he told
reporters at the Foreign Ministry after the meeting with the Foreign
Minister. The Australian diplomat said he also discussed the
importance of non-violent peaceful and constructive political dialogue
to find a way forward ahead of the coming elections. “We had a
productive exchange of that.” “We spoke about a range of things,
mostly things related to the bilateral relations, and we spoke about
shared interests, we spoke about cricket,” he said. Greg Wilcock
said the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Australia have
been growing with great prospect of further expansion. “We spoke
mainly about the long-term relationship between Australia and
Bangladesh, and its good health and great prospect.” Responding to a
question on the visit of Australian High Commission’s representative
in a Madrasah run by Hefazat-e-Islam, the envoy said, “We simply
wanted an exchange of views and an introduction…because they’re
(Hefazat) a significant group, one of the many groups. He said they
have a productive relationship with a couple of Madrasahs in
Chittagong with small grant support. On September 12, Australian
Deputy High Commissioner Tim Bolotnikoff visited a madrasah run by a
Hefazate Islam leader in the port city’s Lalkhan Bazar area. Greg
Wilcock also said his meeting with the new Foreign Minister was a
chance to speak about Australia and a chance to establish a
relationship. Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Neal
Walker met Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque at the latter’s office.
They discussed various issues, including the recent political
development in the country. – UNB
