CA Urges Canada to Relocate Manufacturing to BD

The appeal was made during a meeting with Ahmed Hussen, Canada's Minister of International Development, who visited the Chief Adviser's office in Tejgaon today.

Minister Hussen expressed Canada's eagerness to continue technical discussions with Bangladesh on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), which could significantly boost trade and investment between the two nations. "A FIPA agreement would send a strong signal to Canadian businesses, encouraging them to invest in Bangladesh," he said.

In response, Prof Yunus also requested that Canada expedite the visa process for Bangladeshi students. Minister Hussen reassured that Canada welcomes all legitimate students from Bangladesh and clarified that the recent reduction in student permits was not aimed at Bangladeshis. "There is no specific target on Bangladesh; any legitimate student will be welcomed," he explained.

Additionally, the Chief Adviser sought Canada's support in recovering stolen assets, particularly highlighting the issue of corruption in Bangladesh. "There is an area called 'Begum Para' where the families of corrupt individuals reside," Yunus said, urging Canada's help in retrieving illicit funds. Minister Hussen reiterated Canada's commitment, stating, "We don’t want stolen or plundered money in Canada."

The two leaders also discussed ongoing reform initiatives in Bangladesh, the upcoming general election, and the refugee crisis involving Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Minister Hussen expressed Canada's full support for Bangladesh’s interim government, acknowledging the government's efforts to meet the hopes and expectations of the Bangladeshi people.

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ajit Singh, and Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs, were also present at the meeting.