Dhaka:Canada's Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, arrived to strengthen bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation, and explore new opportunities for trade, investment, and development partnerships.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sarai is scheduled for a four-day visit during which he will hold meetings with senior government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives. His itinerary includes visits to 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.
This visit is part of Canada's effort to deepen its longstanding development partnership with Bangladesh by engaging more in trade, investment, and strategic economic cooperation. Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded CAD 4 billion in 2025, highlighting the growing significance of their economic relationship. Canada emphasizes that continued governance, regulatory, and economic reforms in Bangladesh could enhance transparency, bolster investor confidence, and create new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Since 1971, Canada has provided more than CAD 6.3 billion in official development assistance to Bangladesh, supporting initiatives in health, education, gender equality, climate resilience, and institutional development. Canada has also supported notable Bangladesh-based development organizations such as BRAC and icddr,b.
During his visit to Cox's Bazar, Sarai is expected to engage with Rohingyas, members of host communities, and humanitarian partners involved in addressing the prolonged displacement crisis. Canada has been a major international donor to the Rohingya humanitarian response since 2017, contributing more than CAD 600 million in assistance for the crisis.
The Canadian government has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing humanitarian assistance and closer cooperation with Bangladesh to promote shared prosperity, inclusive economic growth, and regional stability.