Australia's Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education, Julian Hill, MP met with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Aug 3, 2026 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman today sought Australia's continued cooperation in combating irregular migration and human trafficking while highlighting the importance of expanding regular migration opportunities for Bangladeshi nationals.

He made the call during a meeting with Australia's Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education, Hon. Julian Hill MP, at the state guest house Padma in the capital.

During the meeting, the foreign minister underscored the need to create more regular migration pathways for Bangladeshi workers and reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration.

The Australian minister commended the growing Bangladeshi community in Australia for its valuable contributions to the country's economy and multicultural society.

The two ministers also stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration between Australian and Bangladeshi universities through joint academic programmes and institutional partnerships.

Following the meeting, they witnessed the signing of an agreement under which Australia announced an additional AUD 25.25 million in humanitarian assistance through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to support life-saving services and protection for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.

The agreement was signed at the State Guest House Padma by Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle and UNHCR Acting Country Representative Juliette Murekeyisoni.

Earlier in the day, Assistant Minister Hill met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam.

Their discussions focused on cooperation in regular and irregular migration, skills development, higher education, energy and women's empowerment.

During the meeting, Shama sought greater opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in Australia.

Assistant Minister Hill is on a two-day official visit to Bangladesh.

During the visit, he also held separate meetings with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Education Minister A. N. M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon and Education Adviser Mahdi Amin.