Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday sought Canadian support in energy, agriculture and climate finance, while stressing the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of around 1.3 million Rohingyas to Myanmar as the only sustainable solution to the crisis.
He made the call when a Canadian delegation, led by its Secretary of State (International Development) Randeep Sarai, met him at his office at the Secretariat.
The meeting discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and exploring new opportunities for a strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Canada, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.
Other key issues included technical and vocational education, food security, poverty alleviation and renewable energy.
On the Rohingya crisis, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is hosting around 1.3 million Rohingyas, putting considerable pressure on the country’s economy and environment while it continues 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 is the only sustainable solution to the crisis, which originated in Myanmar and must be resolved there.
Randeep Sarai agreed on the importance of ensuring the peaceful, safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas.
The Canadian side 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 will 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 cooperation in establishing nursing training institutions and developing skilled nurses. Canada already has activities in this 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 also discussed Bangladesh’s Farmers’ Card programme, under which the government plans to provide farmers with essential agricultural inputs, including fertiliser and seeds.
Tarique Rahman said the programme will help the government maintain detailed information on farmers, enabling better agricultural planning and more effective delivery of public support.
The meeting discussed how Bangladesh could benefit from Canada’s experience in data management and evidence-based planning in this sector.
Family Card and poverty reduction
Referring to World Bank data, the Prime Minister said integrating multiple food subsidy programmes, improving the aims 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 is 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.
Randeep Sarai said Canada is 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.
Bangladeshi-Canadians and invitation to visit Canada
The Canadian secretary of state 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 are 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.
