The Australian High Commission has celebrated the achievements of women in sports at an event marking Australia Day at the Australian High Commission. Leading Bangladeshi sportswomen in badminton, swimming, shooting, weightlifting and archery, as well as members of the BKSP women’s team, attended the function held on Tuesday. The Australian High Commissioner, Jeremy Bruer, recognised their achievements.  “We celebrate their achievements as champions of women’s empowerment, and role models for millions of women and girls across Bangladesh.” The High Commissioner described Australia Day as an occasion on which to celebrate modern, multicultural Australia. At the same time, it was a day on which to interrogate and reflect upon the country’s 60,000-year-old history and to acknowledge indigenous Australians’fundamental place in Australia’s story. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni was the chief guest. Read more: T20 World Cup: Bangladesh Women’s team off to Australia The event was attended by ministers, members of parliament, members of the diplomatic community, senior officers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces, senior officials from the Bangladesh Government and business, development, humanitarian, political and civil leaders, and the media.

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer has hosted a reception in honour of Bangladeshi-Australian Masterchef Australia grand finalist Kishwar Chowdhury marking the International Women’s Day.  The reception, held on Wednesday, celebrated Kishwar Chowdhury’s success in promoting the richness of Bangladeshi culture and cuisine to Australians. It also celebrated her achievements as a woman of Bengali background pursuing her dreams in Australia.  The High Commissioner said, “Few have done more than Kishwar to promote in Australia a better, more fully rounded understanding of Bangladesh, including its outstanding achievements in improving the lives of its people. Kishwar has also helped draw a picture for Bangladeshis of Australia’s surprising, rich, diverse multicultural character.” Also read: Kishwar finishes as 2nd runner up in Masterchef Australia Grand Finale The event was attended by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior diplomats, business and NGO representatives, and young women chefs, providing them a unique opportunity to be inspired by Kishwar Chowdhury’s achievements. The event was organised as part of the Australian High Commission’s continuing celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Bangladesh. Also read: Kishwar Chowdhury: The woman who brought traditional Bangladeshi dishes in MasterChef Australia

Bangladesh and Australia have celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations reiterating with the two governments committing to promote meaningful partnership to face regional and global challenges like climate change, forced displacement and regional security. The Australian High Commission in Dhaka hosted a programme at a city hotel on Monday evening, marking the day. Attending the function, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer highlighted the respective government’s commitment to foster bilateral engagement on Covid-19 recovery, trade and investment, education, technology and innovation.

Australia has expressed eagerness to support programmes aiming to establish women's rights (especially underprivileged) and child protection in Bangladesh.

The Australian High Commission in Dhaka on Monday sought  proposals to support COVID-19 economic recovery in Bangladesh under the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP).

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Australian High Commission on Monday jointly handed over some medical  supplies to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).   The equipment, comprising 150,000 goggles, 80,892 N95 respirator masks and 65,000 face shields, was funded by the Australian Government and will be used in the COVID-19 response.   “The Australian High Commission appreciates the dedication of frontline health workers and the challenges they face.  We are delighted that, through WFP, we have been able to support the Bangladesh Government in the fight against COVID-19,” said the Australian High Commissioner, Jeremy Bruer.   To date, Bangladesh has recorded a total of 137787 number COVID-19 cases, including more than 1,170 doctors, 1,120 nurses and 200 health technologists.   “This equipment comes at a critical time, especially as the number of COVID-19 is seeing new height in Bangladesh. We want to thank the Australian Government and WFP for their continued support,” said Prof Dr Abul Kalam Azad, Director General, DGHS.   Richard Ragan, WFP Representative and Country Director in Bangladesh said health workers are at the frontline of the COVID-19 outbreak response.   "They need the right supplies to keep themselves safe and perform their jobs effectively."   In addition to providing food assistance to vulnerable families, WFP is providing the Government of Bangladesh with logistic support to curb the spread of the virus.

Australian High Commission in Dhaka has arranged another special flight for its citizens which will leave Dhaka on June 10.

Australian High Commission in Dhaka has said they need to re-schedule the special flight, initially scheduled for May 28, and are currently working with the airline to arrange a departure in the second week of June.   The High Commission said they will provide further details to everyone who has confirmed their interest in the third flight as soon as they can confirm them.   There is currently a shortage of quarantine accommodation in Victoria. Melbourne and Adelaide are the only airports permitted for special flights from Dhaka, said the Australian Mission in Dhaka.    The third special flight from Bangladesh will help more Australian citizens return home.    "Due to the ongoing flight suspension, we are considering arranging a third special flight to Colombo to allow passengers to travel by commercial means to Melbourne," said the High Commission in a message.   The High Commission says they need a minimum of 120 full fare passengers to ensure this flight goes ahead.   It said they cannot guarantee that they will be able to organise any further special flights following the departure of the third flight.    The flight is only open to Australian passport holders, Australian permanent visa holders and their spouses, legal guardians or children.   At this stage most scheduled passenger flights to and from Bangladesh remain suspended.    The flight suspension is planned to last until May 30, but it has been extended a number of times and may be extended again, said the High Commission.   

Australian High Commission in Dhaka has decided not to host a public Anzac Day service this year due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 saying it is a difficult decision they made.    Anzac Day, falls on April 25, commemorations are a long-standing tradition in Bangladesh, said the High Commission on Sunday adding that they recognise that many Australians and New Zealanders here will be disappointed.   In making the decision to cancel this year’s service, the High  Commission considered carefully restrictions on movements and gatherings governments have imposed in Australia and Bangladesh.     The safety and health of participants and guests from Bangladesh and the international community remain their highest priorities,  said the High Commission.   Anzac Day is an occasion of utmost importance and solemnity for Australians.     It offers a few moments of personal reflection, when they demonstrate their respect for those who have served and those who continue to serve in our nation’s defence forces, including the 102,000 or more Australians who have died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations worldwide.   The Australian War Memorial will televise a national dawn service that will be live-streamed on Australia’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) social media accounts.     "We encourage all Australians and New Zealanders and all our international friends in Bangladesh to watch the service online and to pause and reflect in ways that are meaningful to them," said the High Commission.