Australia has announced an additional fund of A$5 million or Tk 330 million t to support Bangladesh’s COVID-19 preparedness and response, the country’s envoy said on Saturday.  Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has made the announcement, according to Australian High Commission in Dhaka Jeremy Bruer.  This fund will be given through the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to procure and distribute essential supplies, including oxygen and related equipment, to help communities withstand the health and social impact of the pandemic, said the high commissioner. The money is in addition to the A$5.7 million Australia provided last year to Bangladesh for personal protective equipment, COVID-19 awareness campaigns, and emergency food and income support. Australia said it is also working to increase the global supply of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, including through an A$80 million commitment to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, of which Bangladesh is a beneficiary. High Commissioner Jeremy Bruer said, "As one of Bangladesh's oldest friends, Australia is committed to supporting Bangladesh in its fight against COVID-19, to help ensure our shared region remains safe, stable, prosperous and resilient.  Australia and our partners stand with Bangladesh in responding to the pandemic.”

  Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne on Thursday (March 25, 2021) announced an additional $10 million in emergency assistance from the existing humanitarian budget to those affected by the fire at Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp. “This funding is in addition to the over $260 million Australia has provided to the humanitarian response for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh since 2017,” said Senator Payne. Also read: $ 20mn required to respond to urgent needs after Rohingya camps fire: IOM Their additional support will be provided through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration, the World Food Programme and the United Nations Population Fund. “I am deeply saddened by the news of the devastating fire at Kutupalong Balukali refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. I offer my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones,” she said in a statement. The impact on over 120,000 people and the extensive damage to food distribution centres, health clinics, learning centres and essential facilities is of great concern to Australia and the international community, said the Australian Minister. Also read: Maldives sends message of sympathy over Rohingya camp fire She commended the response of the government of Bangladesh and Rohingya volunteers who assisted with bringing the fire under control and the initial rescue operation, and the humanitarian agencies delivering food assistance, emergency shelter, and water and sanitation services for those affected. “Australia is committed to sustaining our humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya and host communities in Cox’s Bazar,” she said. Also read: Australia working closely with Bangladesh: Marise Payne

Bangladesh and Australia want to expand bilateral relations with more trade, investment and cooperation in human resource development.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Women Marise Payne has said her country is working closely with Bangladesh on Indian Ocean regional issues, including providing humanitarian support to address the Rohingya crisis.

Dhaka, Sept 6 (UNB) - Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has said Australia will intensify development cooperation with Bangladesh and promote the economic partnership in the years ahead.