Professor Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Sydney: Australia has a strong relationship with Bangladesh and continues to support its recovery from COVID-19. Bangladesh, with a large population of 165 million, faces intensified challenges due to COVID-19, especially in Cox’s Bazar. Here, over 1.46 million people, including 919,000 Rohingya refugees and 541,000 locals, rely on aid due to displacement from Myanmar and natural disasters.
Australia focuses on supporting health, stability, and economic recovery in Bangladesh, prioritising the most vulnerable groups, including women, girls, and disabled individuals. This collaboration involves various policy areas such as financial, diplomatic, and trade efforts.
Australia’s developmental assistance in Bangladesh was AUD 116 million during FY 22-23 and AUD 111 million during FY 23 -24.
Main Areas of Support:
Health Security:
Australia will continue to support Bangladesh’s health initiatives through Australian NGOs, including the Water for Women regional program and contributions to global health organisations like the World Health Organization, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
In the Cox’s Bazar District, Australian collaborations with UN agencies, local non-governmental organisations, and BRAC address essential needs such as nutrition, education, protection, and hygiene.
Australian partners acted swiftly to assist Bangladesh’s urgent health needs during the COVID-19 crisis, providing medical supplies, training, hygiene and public awareness programs, as well as emergency food and financial aid to those in need throughout the country.
Australia’s aid efforts in Cox’s Bazar include comprehensive life-saving support for both Rohingya and local communities, focusing on treatments and preventative measures for COVID-19. Australia collaborates with various partners to reduce the pandemic’s impact on the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, and individuals with disabilities.
Stability and Social Cohesion:
Australia is collaborating with Bangladesh to enhance social unity and tackle the increased risks to food security due to COVID-19. Australia is helping Bangladesh improve the systems that support the National Social Security Strategy, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. Our efforts include supporting nutritional programs and agricultural research through partnerships with the World Food Programme, ACIAR, CSIRO, and Australian NGOs.
Australia also promotes inclusive education and skills development through partnerships with BRAC, the Underprivileged Children’s Educational Program (UCEP), Australia Awards, and the Global Partnership for Education. In Cox’s Bazar District, our humanitarian aid fosters resilience, social cohesion, and self-sufficiency among Rohingya and local populations. Australia is committed to working with Bangladesh to maintain stability and promote economic growth in the Indian Ocean Region, in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia