Mr. Md Shakhawat Hossain, a career Diplomat, the Consul General of Bangladesh in Sydney, has been a cornerstone in strengthening the relationship between Bangladesh and Australia. With over 18 years of distinguished service in the Bangladesh Foreign Service, Mr. Hossain has held several significant roles at different capacities at different Wings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka. His international assignments have taken him to Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius, Spain, and India, where he has garnered extensive experience and honed his diplomatic skills.

Now, as the Consul General in Sydney, Mr. Hossain has made remarkable contributions to the welfare of the Bangladeshi community in New South Wales and Queensland. His leadership has led to significant improvements in consular services, enhanced community engagement, and strengthened economic and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Australia. Recently, Dr. Fazle Rabbi had the opportunity to interview Mr. Hossain, delving into his thoughts on various topics ranging from the recent government transition in Bangladesh to his vision for the future of the Sydney Consulate.-

–Dr. Fazle Rabbi: With the recent change in government in Bangladesh, how do you foresee this impacting your role and the initiatives you have been working on at the Sydney Consulate?

Mr. Md Shakhawat Hossain: The recent change in government in Bangladesh is a testament to our vibrant democracy. My role as Consul General remains focused on serving the Bangladeshi community in Australia, irrespective of political changes. The initiatives we have undertaken at the Sydney Consulate are driven by the needs of our community and the directives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I am committed to serve the respected expatriate Bangladeshi Nationals living in NSW and Queenslandwith dedication and professionalism. The support from the Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra, under the guidance of His Excellency, the High Commissioner, has been instrumental in our efforts, ensuring that our services remain uninterrupted and effective.

Dr. Fazle Rabbi: You have been working diligently to provide National Identity Cards to Bangladeshi expatriates in Australia. What challenges have you faced in obtaining approval from the Bangladeshi government, and what steps are you taking to overcome these obstacles?

Mr. Md Shakhawat Hossain:I am working for the installation of National Identity Card(NID)service from Sydney Mission. You know NID is an important document for Bangladeshi Nationals. Respected expatriate Bangladeshi nationals may avail this service without going to Bangladesh. We have made significant progress in laying the groundwork and are optimistic about receiving the necessary approvals soon. Concerned office in Bangladesh is working to complete the processes. After necessary approval, a team from Bangladesh will visit Canberra and Sydney for installation of equipment at the same time. Our collective goal is to make this service accessible to all Bangladeshi expatriates in Australia.

Dr. Fazle Rabbi: Under your leadership, the Sydney Consulate has started processing Bangladeshi passports, eliminating the need for people to travel to Canberra. Can you elaborate on the impact this has had on the community and the consulate’s operations?

Mr. Md Shakhawat Hossain: The introduction of passport services at the Sydney Consulate has been a significant milestone. This change has greatly benefited our community, saving them the time and expense of traveling to Canberra. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we have seen a substantial increase in the number of applications processed. I am grateful to the service seekers as they are extending full support and cooperation. This achievement would not have been possible without the robust support from the High Commission in Canberra. Their guidance and resources have enabled us to enhance our consular services, ensuring that we meet the needs of our community efficiently and effectively.

Dr. Fazle Rabbi: How do you balance the consulate’s administrative responsibilities with the need to engage and support the Bangladeshi community in Australia? Can you share some specific initiatives or programs that have been particularly successful?

Mr. Md Shakhawat Hossain: Balancing administrative responsibilities with community engagement is a priority for us. We have implemented several initiatives aimed at supporting and uniting the Bangladeshi community in Australia. Cultural events, educational programs, and community outreach activities have been at the forefront of our efforts. These initiatives have fostered a strong sense of belonging and pride among expatriates. The High Commission in Canberra has been a steadfast partner in these endeavors, providing invaluable support and resources. Together, we strive to create a vibrant and cohesive community that celebrates our heritage and contributes positively to Australian society.

Dr. Fazle Rabbi: Looking ahead, what are your primary goals for the Sydney Consulate? How do you plan to further enhance the services provided to the Bangladeshi community and strengthen the ties between Bangladesh and Australia?

Mr. Md Shakhawat Hossain:You may aware that Sydney Consulate has been providing service by Q-Management System. Looking ahead, our primary goal is to further enhance the services. We aim to introduce more streamlined processes and expand our range of services to better serve the Bangladeshi community. We do our consular camp to Brisbane, Dubbo so that community can receive consular services from those places also. Strengthening economic and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Australia remains a key focus. We are committed to continuing our efforts to secure the National Identity Card initiative. The unwavering support from the High Commission in Canberra and the High Commissioner has been crucial in our journey. Their collaboration and encouragement inspire us to achieve greater heights and serve our community with excellence.

Mr. Md Shakhawat Hossain’s responses in this interview reflect his deep commitment to the Bangladeshi community in Australia and his strategic vision for strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Australia. His leadership continues to leave a lasting impact, making him a respected figure among both his peers and the community he serves.