Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle paid a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at the party’s office in Bashundhara, Dhaka, on Thursday.

Deputy High Commissioner Clinton Pobke and Political First Secretary Anna Peterson of the Australian High Commission were also present at the meeting.

From Jamaat-e-Islami, Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar and Assistant Secretary Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair attended the discussion.

According to a press release issued by Jamaat’s publicity department, the meeting discussed various issues, including the upcoming national election under the proportional representation (PR) system and the party’s role in strengthening democracy in Bangladesh.

The statement added that Jamaat presented its stance on women’s rights, emphasizing their social, economic, and administrative participation, as well as the party’s support for women’s freedom in professional spheres.

The meeting also discussed Bangladesh’s economic prospects, particularly the energy and ready-made garment sectors. The Australian High Commissioner reportedly praised Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to building a corruption-free society.

In addition, the two sides explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and discussed potential Australian support for Bangladesh’s skill development programs as part of its partnership in key development areas.