The foreign affairs adviser outlined the government's plan for reforms to Downer, who hoped these reforms would "Facilitate the holding of the elections within the stipulated time frame," during the meeting held at the Australian Foreign Minister's office in Canberra.

Downer assured, "Australian aid to Bangladesh would be expanded," but the modalities and content would need to be worked out. "Australia and Bangladesh have worked together intermittently but there is a need to have greater cooperation in many common areas on a continued and structured basis."

Last month, Australian High Commissioner Douglas Foskett in a media release revealed Australia would boost aid to Bangladesh by 33 percent.

Iftekhar told Downer that the government will strictly adhere to a 'zero tolerance' for human rights violations and informed Downer that a National Human Rights Commission. While Downer underscored the importance of continued focus on human rights issues.

The adviser was also briefed by the Australian government's aid agency, AusAid, where he stressed the need for more scholarships for Bangladeshis and mulled the possibility of sending English teachers under the proposed "English in Action" programme.

They also discussed supplying lentils and chic-peas to meet Bangladesh's current requirement.

Iftekhar also delivered a speech at the Australian National University on Tuesday night on "Evolving challenges for Bangladesh in South Asia." He is an alumnus of the university.