Press release on the visit of Hon'ble Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister of Bangladesh
Bangladesh High Commission, Canberra; Press Release (19 April 2010)
Hon’ble Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Barrister Shafique Ahmed met with Chief Justice Robert Shenton French, High Court of Australia on 13 April 2010 in Canberra and had discussion on issues of mutual interests particularly related to the legislation of Whistleblowers Protection Act. Hon’ble Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh visited Australia from 13 – 15 April 2010 with a delegation comprising Senior officials of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh. H.E. the High Commissioner Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury also accompanied the Hon’ble Speaker in the meeting.
Hon’ble Minister along with the members of the delegation also observed the proceedings of the High Court of Australia. Later on the day, Hon’ble Minister visited the office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. Deputy Director Legal briefed the delegation about the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983.
Hon’ble Minister met with the Commonwealth Ombudsman Prof. John McMillan on 14 April 2010. Prof. McMillan briefed the Hon’ble Minister about the activities of the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s office. Hon’ble Minister also met with Mr. Roger Wilkins, Secretary of the Attorney General’s Department and discussed about the legislation of Whistleblowers Protection Act. Later Hon’ble Minister attended a round table discussion at the Attorney General’s office, where different matters including appointment of Judges, Witness and Victim protection act, Anti Money Laundering act etc. were discussed. Hon’ble Minister also met with the members of Expatriate Bangladesh Community in Canberra.
Hon’ble Minister also attended a luncheon meeting with Mr. Mark Dreyfus QC MP, who is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee looking after Whistleblowers legislation. Mr. Dreyfus shared his experience with regard to the Whistleblowers legislation. H.E. the High Commissioner also attended the luncheon meeting. The High Commissioner for Bangladesh requested Mr. Mark Dreyfus QC MP to pursue the Hon’ble Immigration Minister of Australia with regard to the softening of visa requirements of Bangladeshi students (Vocational and Higher Education Sector) from assessment level 4 to assessment level 3. The Hon’ble Member of Parliament assured to examine the matter.
Hon’ble Minister also visited the Department of Premiere and Cabinet later on that day. Mr. Alex Anderson, Assistant Secretary (Legal policy branch) briefed the Hon’ble Minister on Whistleblowers Protection Legislation. Hon’ble Minister met with the Expatriate Bangladesh Community in Sydney, NSW on 15th April 2010.
