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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for stronger cooperation with Canada in energy, agriculture, skills development and climate finance, while urging continued international support for the safe and voluntary repatriation of around 1.3 million Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The issues came up during a meeting with a Canadian delegation led by Randeep Sarai, Canada’s secretary of state for international development, at the prime minister’s office at the Secretariat on Monday.
The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, expand economic cooperation and explore new avenues for a strategic partnership, said Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, deputy press secretary to the prime minister.
Tarique Rahman said hosting around 1.3 million Rohingyas had placed a significant burden on Bangladesh’s economy and environment as the country continued to tackle its own social and economic challenges.
While humanitarian assistance remained essential, he stressed that the crisis could only be resolved sustainably through the safe, voluntary and dignified return of the displaced people to Myanmar.
Sarai shared the importance of ensuring the peaceful and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas.
The Canadian delegation expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in energy supplies, particularly oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), and indicated that Canada could become a potential partner in these sectors.
Bangladesh welcomed the proposal and said it would consider it positively.
The meeting also explored opportunities for cooperation in technical and vocational education and training, with particular emphasis on nursing education, establishing training institutions and developing a skilled workforce.
Canada, which is already active in the nursing sector, plans to expand its engagement further, the meeting was told.
Agriculture and food security featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides exploring cooperation in the production and supply of commodities such as pulses and oilseeds.
The prime minister was briefed on ongoing programmes involving the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
The discussions also covered the government’s Farmers’ Card initiative, which is intended to help farmers access essential agricultural inputs, including fertiliser and seeds.
Tarique Rahman said the programme would create a comprehensive database of farmers, helping improve agricultural planning and ensure that government assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.
The two sides also discussed drawing on Canada’s expertise in data management and evidence-based planning to strengthen Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.
Citing World Bank data, the prime minister said better coordination of food subsidies, improved targeting of cash assistance and integration with the Family Card programme could help lift an additional 2.85 million people out of poverty.
He said the government was pursuing a broader approach to poverty reduction by combining social protection with measures to create jobs, raise incomes and promote economic self-reliance.
The talks also covered renewable energy, canal excavation and the government’s plan to plant 250 million trees.
Sarai said Canada was interested in providing C$13 billion in global climate finance over the next five years, adding that Bangladesh could benefit from the funding.
The Canadian delegation also expressed interest in supporting feasibility studies for development projects in Bangladesh.
Sarai praised Bangladeshis and people of Bangladeshi origin living in Canada for their skills, initiative and positive outlook. He noted that two people of Bangladeshi origin were serving in the Canadian Parliament.
He later invited Tarique Rahman 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 Saleh Shibly and relevant officials attended the meeting.
Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh and other members of the Canadian delegation were also present.
