Opinion – Bangladesh at the Centre of Australia’s Focus on the South

Expanding its influence in the Indo-Pacific region will not be easy for Australia, particularly with Bangladesh as a focal point. Bangladesh prioritizes the Rohingya crisis in its foreign relations these days. Australia has yet to take a firm stance on resolving this crisis for Bangladesh. Compared with the recent past, Australia seems more interested in supporting the nations in the Indo-Pacific for their territorial integrity, democratic values, human rights, freedom of navigation and overflight, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Australia is keen on raising these countries’ capacities to deal with maritime security threats, climate change, and cybercrimes, as well as countering trafficking in persons.

The Bangladesh-Australia Ministerial Dialogue in May 2024 demonstrates Australia’s interest in growing its relationship with Bangladesh. During this dialogue, the ministers reflected on the productive discussions at the Indian Ocean Conferences held in Perth in 2024 and Dhaka in 2023. They also noted their ongoing collaboration within regional forums, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s Indo-Pacific Outlook and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.