Newly appointed Australian High Commissioner Lorraine Barker made a courtesy call on Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina at her Dhanmondi residence yesterday.

They discussed matters relating to mutual interests during the meeting.

Sheikh Hasina expressed her sympathy for the loss of property in the recent bushfire in Australia.

The former prime minister also highlighted the achievements during her tenure in the areas of poverty alleviation, micro-credit and self-sufficiency in food.

The high commissioner praised Sheikh Hasina's efforts for institutionalising democracy and socio-economic development in Bangladesh during her tenure as prime minister.

Former agriculture minister and AL presidium member Motia Chowdhury and Kazi Jafrullah MP were also present at the meeting.