Staff Reporter:
Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai arrived in Dhaka yesterday to strengthen bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation and explore new opportunities for trade, investment and development partnerships.
During his four-day visit, Sarai is scheduled to hold meetings with senior government officials, development partners and private sector representatives, according to a statement issued by the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka yesterday.
He will also visit Canadian-supported development initiatives in Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar to assess their contributions to institutional strengthening, skills development and economic opportunities for women and young people.
The visit comes as Canada seeks to deepen its longstanding development partnership with Bangladesh through greater engagement in trade, investment and strategic economic cooperation.
Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded CAD 4 billion in 2025, reflecting the growing importance of their economic relationship.
Canada believes continued governance, regulatory and economic reforms in Bangladesh could enhance transparency, strengthen investor confidence and create new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, Canada has provided more than CAD 6.3 billion in official development assistance, supporting initiatives in health, education, gender equality, climate resilience and institutional development.
Canada has also supported prominent Bangladesh-based development organisations, including BRAC and icddr,b, which have emerged as internationally recognized institutions.
The Canadian government views its development assistance as an important foundation for expanding bilateral economic engagement as Bangladesh navigates its economic transition.
During his visit to Cox’s Bazar, Sarai is expected to interact with Rohingyas, members of host communities and humanitarian partners engaged in responding to the protracted displacement crisis.
Canada has remained one of the major international donors to the Rohingya humanitarian response since the mass influx of refugees from Myanmar in 2017.
Ottawa has provided more than CAD 600 million in assistance for the Rohingya crisis response, including support for displaced Rohingyas and Bangladeshi host communities.
The Canadian government reaffirmed its commitment to continued humanitarian assistance and closer cooperation with Bangladesh to promote shared prosperity, inclusive economic growth and regional stability.
