Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought enhanced cooperation from Canada in health, education, energy, agriculture and climate financing to strengthen bilateral ties and accelerate development partnership.
The call was made during a courtesy meeting with a Canadian delegation led by Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka.
Discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation, addressing energy needs specifically oil and LNG supplies and boosting technical education including nursing training. In agriculture both sides explored cooperation in food security, data-driven planning and support through the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. Prime Minister Rahman highlighted the government's plans for "Farmer Cards" to streamline agricultural subsidies and "Family Cards" aimed at targeted poverty reduction.
On the Rohingya crisis the Prime Minister emphasized that hosting 1.3 million displaced Rohingyas places immense pressure on Bangladesh's economy. He stressed that safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar remains the only sustainable solution. Sarai concurred on the necessity of a dignified return.
Canada also expressed interest in supporting project feasibility studies and noted that Bangladesh could benefit from Canada's C$13 billion global climate financing pool over the next five years. Sarai commended the contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Canada and extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Canada.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh and senior officials were present at the meeting.
