Australia has expressed eagerness to support programmes aiming to establish women's rights (especially underprivileged) and child protection in Bangladesh.

A high level team of Australian High Commission in Dhaka came up with the remarks while visiting a programme organised by BRAC for improving the conditions of host community in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar.

The delegation included Amy Sheridan, humanitarian advisor, and Anna Lamming, humanitarian officer of the High Commission.

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On behalf of BRAC, Sajedul Hasan, director of Humanitarian Programme, BRAC and BRAC International; Hasina Akhter Huq, Area Director, Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme (HCMP) of BRAC; Matin Shardar, Head of host community; and others were present at the event on Tuesday.

The delegation visited Safe Space for Women and Girls at Goyalmara, and a BRAC Primary School (Non-formal school), financed by Australian government, at Hazimmapara village in Ratnapalong union in the upazila.

While talking to women at the centre, the delegation lauded the steps taken up by BRAC for improving the condition of host community.

The delegation also went to Disabled Leadership Learning Centre at Painnasia village where they talked to employees working there.

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During the visit, Amy Sheridan, humanitarian advisor suggested taking up realistic steps and holding special orientation meeting by involving host community for the prevention of early marriage.

The government attaches importance to the issue of education and health of poor women, and prevention of early marriage and protection of children. Our government will consider the matter of cooperation in those fields in the days to come, said Amy.

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Area Director, Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme (HCMP) of BRAC, Sajedul Hasan said BRAC took up different programmes for combating child marriage and spreading education among the children of poor people.

Hasina Akhter Huq said BRAC has taken up programme for skill development of poor people for their income generating activities.

She sought long term support from the Australian government for launching anti-poverty programme in the areas.