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Canada has announced grants worth 45 million Canadian dollars (around Tk390 crore) for four new initiatives in Bangladesh to support agricultural innovation, economic reforms, access to finance and trade expansion.
The announcement came during a visit to Bangladesh by Canadian Minister of State for International Development Randeep Sarai from October 11 to 14, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and creating new opportunities for development and prosperity.
The Canadian High Commission in Dhaka disclosed the funding in a statement on Sunday (October 18).
During his visit, Sarai met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, education, skills development, energy and climate finance.
Both sides also discussed the Rohingya crisis and the importance of joint efforts by Bangladesh, Canada and other partners to find a sustainable solution.
During the visit, Sarai observed how investments in research and technological innovation can improve living standards and support economic growth.
At BRAC’s skills development training centre in Ashkona, Dhaka, he learned how Canadian assistance is helping young people, particularly women, acquire skills and access better employment opportunities.
As part of a broader initiative involving Canada, BRAC and Australia, Canada has contributed 44 million Canadian dollars to support disadvantaged communities in Bangladesh over the past five years.
At the icddr,b hospital in Dhaka, Sarai saw how Canadian-supported research is helping address health challenges through affordable, life-saving solutions. The innovations are benefiting millions of people in Bangladesh and other countries, including Canada.
Canada has provided 15 million Canadian dollars in institutional funding to icddr,b, making it the only country besides Bangladesh to provide such support to the research institution. Canada has also contributed 24 million Canadian dollars for research into sexual and reproductive health challenges.
In Cox’s Bazar, Sarai met Rohingya refugees who have been displaced from their homeland and sought shelter in Bangladesh. He learned how more than 600 million Canadian dollars in Canadian assistance since 2018 has supported education, skills training and livelihood opportunities for refugees and host communities.
He also met Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman to discuss stronger cooperation among Bangladesh, Canada and regional partners in addressing the Rohingya crisis.
Sarai visited a demonstration centre of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Cox’s Bazar, where he observed how agricultural research is helping farmers increase crop yields, meet food demand and adapt to climate change.
CIMMYT Bioenterprises will work with Canada to promote innovative agricultural practices and technologies to boost food production and create new economic opportunities in Bangladesh.
In Dhaka, Sarai also visited Gildan Activewear Bangladesh Ltd, one of Canada’s largest investors in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector, with manufacturing and information technology operations in the country.
The visit highlighted another dimension of Canada-Bangladesh economic ties, with discussions focusing on expanding trade and investment, supporting business growth, creating jobs, improving workers’ skills and ensuring a business- and investment-friendly environment.
After concluding his Bangladesh visit, Sarai travelled to Thailand to attend the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, where he is expected to advance Canada’s efforts to strengthen economic partnerships and promote inclusive growth across the Indo-Pacific region.