Australia appoints singer Momtaz honorary ambassador for promoting education in Bangladesh

Australia has appointed folk singer Momtaz Begum an ‘honorary ambassador’ for promoting education in Bangladesh.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 24 Jan 2017, 08:55 PM
Updated : 25 Jan 2017, 10:58 AM

High Commissioner Julia Niblett made the announcement at the Australia’s National Day reception on Tuesday.

Momtaz, who is also a ruling Awami League MP, said she was “honoured” to be given such a position. “I’ll work to promote education,” she said in her reaction.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed was the chief guest at the reception held at the Australian High Commission premises.

The high commissioner said Momtaz had agreed to support the role of Australian education in Bangladesh.

“She’ll promote and showcase our contribution to education and skill development in Bangladesh,” Niblett said, adding that 2,000 Bangladeshi students have received Australian scholarships since 2003.

“At least 6,000 Bangladeshi students study in Australian universities at one time.”

Australia has been promoting quality education and skills development in Bangladesh starting from the primary education, according to her.

The commerce minister recognised Australia’s contribution in trade as Bangladeshi products enjoy duty-free market access to the Asia-Pacific country.

He hoped the bilateral relations would be “strengthened” in the years.

Politicians, diplomats, academics and civil servants attended the reception, among others.

Australia celebrates the National Day on Jan 26 marking the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.

The Dhaka mission organised the reception two days before.