Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has described Bangladesh’s upcoming national election as a defining chapter in the country’s history, noting that a “new awakening led by the youth” is shaping the nation’s ongoing transformation.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (12 November) at the state guest house Jamuna during a meeting with a seven-member Canadian parliamentary delegation led by Senator Salma Ataullahjan.

During the meeting, Prof Yunus briefed the delegation on the government’s ongoing reform initiatives and preparations for the national election scheduled for February.

You have come to Bangladesh at a time when the nation is going through a major transformation — a new awakening led by young people,” the Chief Adviser said. “We are now preparing for an election that will mark an important chapter in our national history.

Expressing gratitude for Canada’s continued support for the Rohingya community, Professor Yunus highlighted that the crisis has entered its eighth year. 

The only viable solution is the repatriation of the Rohingya people to their homeland. Around 1.2 million people are living here; thousands of children have been born and are growing up without knowing their citizenship or future. They are frustrated,” he said, adding that recent funding shortages have made the situation even more challenging.

Senator Salma Ataullahjan reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting the displaced Rohingya population, stating that she has long been vocal about the issue. “It is deeply concerning. The world must now focus on ensuring their peace and security,” she said, adding that she plans to make a statement on the matter.

The two sides also discussed potential trade and investment opportunities in sectors such as ready-made garments, agriculture, and other emerging industries, as well as the prospects for increased Canadian investment in Bangladesh’s growing export sector.

Members of the Canadian delegation included MPs Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre–Don Valley East, Liberal) and Sameer Zuberi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities and member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. Also present were Mahmudah Khan, Global CEO of Human Concern International; Masum Mahbub, CEO of Human Concern USA; Ahmad Attia, CEO of Gestalt Communications; and Usama Khan, CEO of Islamic Relief Canada.

National Security Adviser Khaleelur Rahman and Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamia Morshed also attended the meeting.