Australia was the fourth country, and the first in the developed world, to recognise Bangladesh's independence in 1971.[1] A high commission was opened in Dhaka and relations have been warm since then.[1]
Trade and investment
Australian Oil and Gas company Santos is a major investor in Bangladesh's Natural Resources sector.[2] In 2014 trade between the two countries crossed AUD 1 billion mark of which 450 million came from Bangladesh's exports to Australia. Australia enjoying a surplus of AUD 160 million dollar on trade.[3]
Diplomacy
High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Australia is Kazi Imtiaz Hossain as of 2015.[4] Previous high commissioner was Lieutenant General (retired) Masud Uddin Chowdhury.[5]VFS Global collects applications for Australian Visa in Bangladesh.[6] In 2016, Julia Niblett was appointed Australian High Commissioner in Bangladesh, preceded by Greg Wilcox.[7]
Defence and security cooperation
The two countries participate in joint military exercises.[8][9]
Sports
The two countries are cricket Test playing nations and regularly compete against each other in tournaments, series and cricket world cup.[10][11]
Human rights
Australia and Bangladesh are one of the few countries that provide the option of third gender on their passports.[12] Australia Bangladesh Solidarity Network is a human rights organisation working for the garment workers in Bangladesh.[13]
