Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday sought Canadian support for Bangladesh’s energy, agriculture and climate finance initiatives, while stressing that the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of around 1.3 million Rohingyas to Myanmar remains the only sustainable solution to the refugee crisis.
He made the request when a Canadian delegation led by Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai met him at his office at the Secretariat.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and exploring opportunities for a strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Canada, said the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.
Other issues discussed included technical and vocational education, food security, poverty alleviation and renewable energy.
On the Rohingya crisis, Tarique said Bangladesh was hosting around 1.3 million displaced people, placing considerable pressure on the country’s economy and environment as it continued to address its own economic and social challenges.
He said humanitarian assistance remained important, but their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar was the only sustainable solution to a crisis that originated there and must ultimately be resolved there.
Sarai agreed on the importance of ensuring the peaceful, safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas.
Energy cooperation
The Canadian delegation expressed interest in cooperating with Bangladesh on energy supplies, particularly oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), saying Canada could become a potential partner in these areas.
Bangladesh said it would consider the proposal positively.
Technical education and skills development
Canada expressed interest in expanding cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Bangladesh.
The two sides also discussed establishing nursing training institutions and developing skilled nurses. The meeting was informed that Canada was already active in this sector and planned to expand its engagement.
Agriculture and food security
The meeting explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the production and supply of agricultural commodities, including pulses and oilseeds.
Canada expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to improve food security.
The Prime Minister was also briefed on existing programmes being implemented through the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
The two sides discussed Bangladesh’s Farmers’ Card programme, which aims to provide farmers with essential agricultural inputs, including fertiliser and seeds.
Tarique said the programme would help maintain detailed information on farmers, enabling better agricultural planning and more effective delivery of public support.
The meeting also discussed how Bangladesh could draw on Canada’s experience in data management and evidence-based agricultural planning.
Family Card and poverty reduction
Referring to World Bank data, the Prime Minister said integrating food subsidy programmes, improving existing cash assistance schemes and linking them with the Family Card could help lift an additional 2.85 million people out of poverty.
He stressed the importance of economic self-reliance, saying the government was focusing not only on social protection but also on expanding income-generating and employment opportunities to help people become self-sufficient.
Climate finance and renewable energy
The two sides discussed Bangladesh’s renewable energy initiatives, canal excavation and a programme 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.
Canada also expressed interest in supporting feasibility studies for development projects in Bangladesh.
Bangladeshi-Canadians and invitation to visit Canada
Sarai praised Bangladeshis and people of Bangladeshi origin living in Canada for their initiative, skills and positive outlook.
He also informed the Prime Minister that two people of Bangladeshi origin were serving as members of the Canadian Parliament.
At the end of the meeting, Sarai invited Tarique 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 senior members of the Canadian delegation were also present.