President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged Canada to boost its investment in Bangladesh and expand cooperation in various key sectors during a courtesy call by Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh at Bangabhaban.
During the meeting, the Canadian envoy delivered a congratulatory message from Governor General of Canada Louise Arbour to the president. Mirza Fakhrul expressed his gratitude and praised Canada's democratic traditions, seeking its cooperation in institutionalizing democracy in Bangladesh while noting that the current administration is pursuing necessary reforms.
High Commissioner Ajit noted that bilateral trade between the two nations exceeds 4 billion Canadian dollars annually and highlighted further potential for expansion. He also previewed an upcoming visit to Bangladesh by a Canadian minister responsible for foreign affairs.
In response, the president called for expanded Canadian involvement in agriculture, food security, fertilizer, IT, outsourcing, education, technical training, nursing, and medical fields. He also acknowledged that over 100,000 Bangladeshis contribute to Canada's development.
Addressing the Rohingya crisis, High Commissioner Ajit stated that Canada has contributed around 600 million Canadian dollars in assistance. Mirza Fakhrul thanked the Canadian government for its continued support and urged Ottawa to exert effective international pressure to ensure the safe and voluntary return of Rohingyas to Myanmar. The meeting was attended by the president's secretaries, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Political Counsellor Marcus Devies.
Why it matters
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's meeting with Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh strengthens bilateral economic ties and secures Canadian backing for Rohingya repatriation and institutional reforms.