Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met a delegation led by Canada’s Minister of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat on Monday, discussing stronger bilateral ties, economic cooperation and potential strategic partnership.

The talks covered the Rohingya crisis, energy security, technical education, agriculture, food security, climate finance and poverty alleviation.

The prime minister said Bangladesh looked forward to Canada’s support in key sectors, including health and education.

On the Rohingya crisis, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh was hosting around 1.3 million Rohingya, placing significant pressure on its economy and environment. He stressed that their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar was the only sustainable solution. Sarai agreed on the importance of peaceful, safe and dignified repatriation.

Canada expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh’s energy supplies, particularly oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The two sides also discussed cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), nursing institutions and skills development. Canada expressed interest in expanding support for agricultural production and supply chains involving pulses and oilseeds, as well as food security initiatives through the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT).

The prime minister outlined plans to distribute fertiliser, seeds and other agricultural inputs through a Farmer Card programme, enabling better data management and targeted support. They also discussed linking the Family Card with existing cash assistance and food subsidy programmes. Citing World Bank information, he said the initiative could help lift an additional 2.85 million people out of poverty.

Discussions also covered renewable energy, 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, from which Bangladesh could benefit. Canada also expressed willingness to support feasibility studies for development projects.

Sarai praised the contributions of Bangladeshis and Canadians of Bangladeshi origin and invited the prime minister to visit Canada.

Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam, Adviser Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and senior officials from both countries attended the meeting.