Ray Halligan, MLC and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs of Western Australia, said this during a meeting with Bangladesh High Commissioner M Humayun Kabir in Perth on Wednesday, according to a message received here yesterday.

Bangladesh has great potential, said Halligan recalling his trip to Bangladesh in 1989.

He assured the Bangladesh High Commissioner that he would be happy to contribute to the process of development of the country.

In order to facilitate this, Halligan also assured that he would soon discuss the issue of forming a Bangladesh Caucus of Friends in the Western Australian Parliament comprising members from all parties represented there.

Earlier, Deputy President of the Legislative Council George Cash, MLC, also agreed with the High Commissioner that such a friendly forum would help to deepen understanding between Bangladesh and the parliamentarians in Western Australia.

Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Sue Ellery also agreed to work for the purpose.

She appreciated the impressive developments that had taken place in Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of women empowerment, health, literacy and disaster management.

Sue Ellery was speaking at a luncheon she hosted for High Commissioner Humayun Kabir.

Several members of parliament, business leaders, government officials and Bangladesh Honorary Consul in Perth attended the lunch.