Reported by Suprovat Sydney: The Bangladesh Consulate in Sydney was established to serve Bangladeshi and non-Bangladeshi residents, support migrants with essential documents, and encourage travel and investment in Bangladesh. Unfortunately, community feedback suggests that the current service experience falls far short of those ambitions.
Suprovat Sydney has received a high volume of complaints regarding both the Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra and the Sydney Consulate. These concerns paint a consistent picture.
Unresponsive phone lines and communication breakdown
Hundreds of callers report that phones are seldom answered. Voicemails remain ignored. People feel helpless when urgent matters require immediate support.
Online appointment system called “unreliable” by visitors
Several applicants shared nearly identical cases:
• Appointments booked online
• Applicants traveling long distances early morning
• On arrival, staff claiming “the website is not working” and refusing to accept bookings
• No solution or apology provided
Travel plans and job schedules are being disrupted. One recent visitor had to cancel his plane ticket to Bangladesh because his pre-travel documents could not be processed due to High commission website issues. His losses remain uncompensated.
NID application delays without proper updates
A Bangladeshi resident submitted an NID application on 29 August 2025 and was told delivery would take two weeks. More than a month later, he is still waiting. Officials in Bangladesh confirmed to him that no documents were sent from Sydney to Dhaka. His emails for updates remain unanswered.
Office closures without any public notice
A senior citizen travelled from Campbelltown on 20 October 2025 after securing an appointment. To his shock, the office was closed without any announcement online or through community channels. His reaction reflects the sentiment of many:
“Surprised and disappointed. Unbelievable that such disrespect happens repeatedly. “Automated phone messages continue stating the office is open, further adding to public frustration.
Lack of basic customer service training
Multiple complainants state that frontline staff do not follow Australian service standards. Reports include:
• No greetings or basic courtesy
• Disrespectful tone toward elderly applicants
• Aggressive verbal responses when questions are asked
One example shared by a long-term Qantas engineer is especially concerning. After more than 40 years in Australia, he left the consulate feeling humiliated by the way he was spoken to.
Community members argue that hiring and training local Bangladeshi-Australian talent could dramatically improve professionalism, communication, and cultural alignment with Australian public expectations.
Community leaders have repeatedly raised concerns
Senior Bangladeshi Australians, professors, journalists, and community representatives have all met with consulate officials in both Canberra and Sydney urging service improvements. Promises have been made, yet the situation continues to worsen.
Suprovat Sydney has attempted every responsible method to assist:
letters, emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings. No meaningful change has occurred.
A rapidly growing community deserves better
Bangladeshis form one of the fastest-growing migrant groups in Australia. Their needs are expanding, not shrinking.
If the High Commission and Consulate continue to operate without public accountability or transparency, the reputation of Bangladesh risks serious damage.
Our young generation is watching, questioning, and losing faith.
A final call for immediate improvement
The Bangladeshi community expects:
• Proper communication and timely responses
• Functional appointment systems
• Disclosure when offices relocate or close temporarily
• Respectful and professional customer service
• Accountability for failures that harm applicants
Suprovat Sydney will continue to stand with the community and document these concerns until genuine, lasting improvements are made. We acknowledge that officers coming from Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar may require additional training to deliver services that meet Australian standards. Regular daily briefings are essential, particularly for those working directly with the public. Community representatives emphasized that disrespectful or unprofessional conduct will not be tolerated going forward.
Community members have also raised several concerns about inappropriate involvement in the settlement of politically controversial individuals. Allegations include support being extended to persons who face serious legal and political issues in Bangladesh. Community leaders have expressed disappointment and urged the consulate and high commission to ensure their operations remain transparent, lawful, and aligned with the best interests of all Australians.
Bangladeshi Australian & non Bangladeshi clients deserves better representation & community deserves dignity. Now is the moment to fix what has been broken for far too long.