Australian Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Oct 13, 2025 (BSS) - Australian Minister for Small Business, 
International Development and Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly will arrive 
in Bangladesh this week on an official visit aimed at deepening Australia's 
engagement with the Indian Ocean region and strengthening ties with 
Bangladesh and India.

During her stay in Bangladesh, Dr Aly will launch the Australia-Bangladesh 
Development Partnership Plan 2025-2030, reaffirming Canberra's long-standing 
commitment to supporting Bangladesh's inclusive and democratic development, 
said a press release issued by the Australian Embassy here today. 

The new partnership framework is expected to guide bilateral cooperation in 
areas such as sustainable growth, human development, and climate resilience.

"Australia welcomes Bangladesh's transition to a democratic and inclusive 
future, and is committed to supporting these efforts," the Australian 
minister said in a statement. 

Dr Aly will also visit Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, where Bangladesh 
continues to shelter over 1.1 million displaced Rohingya people. 

Describing the situation as the "largest and most complex humanitarian crisis 
in the region," she emphasized Australia's continued humanitarian support.

Australia has committed an additional AUD 370 million (approximately USD 245 
million) over the next three years in humanitarian assistance for Myanmar, 
the Rohingya population in Bangladesh, and host communities, bringing its 
total commitment since 2017 to over AUD 1.26 billion.

The visit reflects the Albanese Government's commitment to working with 
Indian Ocean partners to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the 
region.

Dr Aly's Dhaka visit underscores Australia's intent to further enhance its 
development partnership, humanitarian cooperation, and people-to-people ties 
with Bangladesh as the nation continues its progress toward sustainable and 
inclusive growth.