Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called on Canada to cooperate in education, health, energy and agriculture, as well as food security, technical education and climate financing, with the aim of strengthening bilateral ties and expanding development cooperation.
He placed the call while a delegation led by Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, paid a courtesy visit to him at the prime minister’s office in the Secretariat, PM Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin said.
In the meeting, the two sides said they would work to strengthen bilateral relations, broaden economic cooperation and explore new avenues for a strategic partnership. They also addressed the Rohingya crisis and other development priorities.
Bangladesh’s prime minister said the country looks forward to cooperation from friendly nations such as Canada in key sectors, notably health and education.
The Canadian delegation indicated a willingness to assist Bangladesh in bolstering its energy supply, with particular focus on oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
In the fields of health and skills development, Canada indicated a desire to expand cooperation in technical and vocational education and training, including nursing education. The Canadian side also signaled interest in supporting nursing training institutions and in developing skilled nurses, building on its existing activities in the sector.
In the agricultural sector, discussions centred on cooperation in pulses and oilseeds, food security and data‑driven agricultural planning. The Canadian delegation also briefed the prime minister on its ongoing activities with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
The prime minister said Bangladesh is currently hosting roughly 1.3 million Rohingya, and that their prolonged presence is exerting considerable pressure on the country’s economy and environment.
The prime minister said that, although humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya remains important, “their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation is the only sustainable solution to the crisis. The crisis originated in Myanmar, and its solution also lies in Myanmar.”
Canada’s secretary of state for international development affirmed the importance of a peaceful, safe and dignified return for the Rohingya.
The meeting also covered renewable energy, canal excavation, tree plantation and climate financing.
Sarai said Canada intends to provide C$13 billion in climate financing worldwide over the next five years. He added that Bangladesh could benefit from the initiative.
Canada also expressed interest in supporting feasibility studies for development projects in Bangladesh.
The talks also addressed the government’s Family Card programme and poverty‑reduction efforts. Citing World Bank estimates, the prime minister said that better‑targeted social assistance, including through the Family Card, could lift an additional 28.5 lakh people out of poverty.
He emphasized the need to promote economic self‑reliance by fostering income‑generating activities and employment opportunities, alongside social‑protection programmes.
Sarai commended the contributions of Bangladeshis and Canadians of Bangladeshi descent living in Canada, emphasizing their initiative, skills and optimistic outlook. He also noted that two Canadians of Bangladeshi origin currently serve as members of the Canadian Parliament.
At the end of the meeting, Sarai invited the prime minister to visit Canada.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly and other relevant officials were present.
The meeting was also attended by Ajit Singh, Canada’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, along with other senior Canadian officials.
Why it matters
The meeting deepens bilateral engagement between Bangladesh and Canada across critical economic, energy, and humanitarian sectors.