Staff Reporter:
A seven-member Canadian parliamentary delegation led by Senator Salma Ataullahjan met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday to discuss deepening bilateral trade cooperation and the Rohingya crisis.
During the meeting, Professor Yunus briefed the delegation on ongoing reforms and preparations for the February election, describing the current moment as a time of transformation driven by young people, CA Press Wing said.
“You’ve come at a time when Bangladesh is undergoing a significant transformation — an uprising led by young people. Now we are preparing for the election, which will be a historic moment for the nation,” he said.
The Chief Adviser thanked Canada for its consistent support for the Rohingya community, stressing that repatriation remains the only durable
solution.
“Eight years have passed. The return of the Rohingya people to their homeland is the only viable solution. There is no alternative. Around 1.2 million people are living here. Thousands of children have been born and are growing up without clarity about their citizenship or future — and they are angry. Now we are facing financial cuts, which make this crisis even graver,” he said.
Senator Ataullahjan, who has long advocated for the Rohingya issue, said she would make a statement on the crisis and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting the displaced community.
“I have long spoken about the Rohingya issue. The concern is serious. The world must focus on ensuring their peace and security,” she said, thanking Professor Yunus for his continued efforts.
MP Sameer Zuberi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, noted Canada’s growing interest in trade diversification with Bangladesh.
“We are working to diversify our trade. Bangladesh and Canada share strong people-to-people ties. Our Prime Minister recently visited Asia with the goal of expanding and diversifying trade partnerships,” he said.
Both sides discussed opportunities for collaboration in the garments, agriculture, and other sectors, highlighting the potential for greater Canadian investment in Bangladesh’s export-oriented industries.
The Canadian delegation also included MP Salma Zahid, Mahmuda 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 Khalilur Rahman and Senior Secretary on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were also present at the meeting.
