Dhaka: President Mohammed Shahabuddin today called upon the international community, including Canada, to take pragmatic measures to solve the long-standing Rohingya crisis. The President made this call when the newly appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ajit Singh, presented his credentials to him at Bangabhaban here. 'Nearly 13 lakhs forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens (Rohingyas) have become a huge burden on Bangladesh over the years,' the President mentioned. He urged the international community, including Canada, to take strong steps aimed at the safe and dignified repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their motherland. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the President welcomed the Canadian new high commissioner to Bangladesh, highlighting Canada's role as one of Bangladesh's development partners and a trusted friend, as communicated by President's press secretary Md Joynal Abedin. Referring to the existing investment-friendly environment in Bangladesh, the Pre sident urged Canadian investors to invest in Bangladesh's various potential sectors, including physical infrastructure and communication. He emphasized the importance of exchange visits at the government and private sector levels to explore the trade and investment potentials of the two countries. Noting the gradually increasing relationship between the people of Bangladesh and Canada, the President expressed hope that the existing relations between the two countries would reach a new height during the tenure of the new High Commissioner of Canada. During the meeting, Canada's newly appointed High Commissioner Ajit Singh acknowledged the significant role of Bangladesh's labor force in Canada's economy and assured that his country's cooperation in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh would continue. The High Commissioner sought full cooperation of the President in fulfilling his assignment in Bangladesh. Earlier, on his arrival at Bangabhaban, a smartly turned-out contingent of the horse-mounted Pres ident Guard Regiment (PGR) gave a 'Guard of Honour' to the high commissioner as part of the state ceremony. Senior Secretary to the President's Office Dr. Nasimul Gani, Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, and Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin were present there, among others.
