‘Hefazat a significant group’
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.
Source: UNB Connect
