Dhaka: Australian High Commission in Dhaka has appointed “music queen” and parliamentary standing committee member on Education Ministry Momtaz Begum as an Ambassador for Education.

Momtaz said she would work with the Australian High Commission to promote quality and inclusive education across Bangladesh.

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Julia Niblett made the announcement at the Australia Day reception held on Tuesday night.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed attended the reception as the chief guest.

The Minister acknowledged the rapid growth in two-way trade in the past year to over AUD 2 billion, reflecting Bangladesh’s significant economic growth and the complementary strengths of the Australian and Bangladeshi economies.

High Commissioner Niblett said Australia and Bangladesh are old friends, with close ties forged by migration, family, business and education.

She said contemporary Australia is one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world. “Tonight, in Dhaka, we Australians celebrate as citizens of a nation whose identity is defined by our shared values of democracy, the rule of law, mutual respect and equality of opportunity”.

Over 6,000 Bangladeshi students study in Australia and Australia has also provided more than 2,000 scholarships and fellowships for Bangladeshi nationals since 1971.

This year, Australia will provide AUD51.6 million in development assistance to Bangladesh, with a focus on education, gender equality, social protection and skills development, according to Australian High Commission in Dhaka.

Political leaders, military chiefs, police and government officials, as well as NGO, business, media and community leaders were present.