Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought Canadian support for Bangladesh in energy, agriculture and climate finance, while stressing that the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of around 1.3 million Rohingyas to Myanmar is the only sustainable solution to the crisis.
He made the call when a Canadian delegation led by Randeep Sarai, Canada's secretary of state for international development, met him at his office at the Secretariat today (12 October).
The meeting discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and exploring new opportunities for a strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Canada, said Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.
Other key issues included technical and vocational education, food security, poverty alleviation and renewable energy.
Rohingya repatriation
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh was hosting around 1.3 million Rohingyas, 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 for the displaced people remained important, but their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation was the only sustainable solution, as the crisis originated in Myanmar and needed to be resolved there.
Sarai agreed on the importance of ensuring the peaceful, safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Canada expresses interest in energy cooperation
The Canadian delegation expressed interest in cooperating with Bangladesh on energy supplies, particularly oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), saying Canada could be a potential partner in these areas.
Bangladesh said it would consider the proposal positively.
The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), as well as establishing nursing training institutions and developing skilled nurses.
Canada already has activities in the nursing sector and plans to expand them further, the meeting was told.
Agriculture and food security
The meeting discussed 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 ensure 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 the government's Farmers' Card programme, under which farmers are set to receive essential agricultural inputs, including fertiliser and seeds.
Tarique Rahman said the programme would help the government maintain detailed information on farmers, enabling better agricultural planning and more effective delivery of public support.
The meeting also discussed how Bangladesh could benefit from Canada's experience in data management and evidence-based planning in the agricultural sector.
Family Card and poverty reduction
Referring to World Bank data, the prime minister said integrating multiple food subsidy programmes, improving the targeting of 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 his government was focusing not only on social protection but also on expanding income and employment opportunities to help people become self-sufficient.
Climate finance and renewable energy
The meeting discussed Bangladesh's renewable energy initiatives, canal excavation and the 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, noting that Bangladesh could benefit from the funding.
Canada also expressed interest in supporting feasibility studies for development projects in Bangladesh.
Canadian-Bangladeshis 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 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 senior officials from the Canadian side were also present.