A delegation led by Canadian Minister of State for International Development Randeep Sarai paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
At the meeting, held at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (12 October), the two sides discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in energy, agriculture, skills development, climate finance and poverty reduction.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh expected support from friendly countries like Canada in key sectors, including health and education.
On the Rohingya crisis, the prime minister said Bangladesh was hosting around 1.3 million Rohingyas, putting considerable pressure on its economy, society and environment.
He stressed that their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar was the only lasting solution. Sarai agreed on the importance of their peaceful and dignified return.
Canada expressed interest in supplying oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to help strengthen Bangladesh’s energy security. Bangladesh said it would consider the proposal positively.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in technical and vocational education, nursing training, and the production and supply of pulses and oilseeds.
Sarai expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh’s food security initiatives, including through programmes involving the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
Discussing the proposed Farmer Card programme, Tarique Rahman said it would help deliver fertilisers, seeds and other agricultural inputs to farmers while improving data-based planning and public service delivery.
The prime minister also highlighted plans to streamline social assistance programmes and introduce Family Cards. Citing World Bank information, he said better-targeted cash assistance and consolidated food subsidies could help lift an additional 2.85 million people out of poverty.
He said the government aimed to promote self-reliance through increased income and employment opportunities alongside social protection.
The meeting also discussed renewable energy, canal excavation and the government’s plan to plant 250 million trees.
Sarai said Canada planned to provide C$13 billion in global climate finance over the next five years, adding that Bangladesh could benefit from the funding.
Canada also expressed willingness to support feasibility studies for development projects in Bangladesh.
Praising Bangladeshis and Canadians of Bangladeshi origin for their skills and contributions, Sarai noted that two people of Bangladeshi origin were serving as members of the Canadian Parliament.
He invited Tarique Rahman to visit Canada at the end of the meeting.
