Dhaka:Canada's Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, has arrived in Dhaka to enhance bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation, and explore new opportunities for trade, investment, and development partnerships.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sarai is on a four-day visit, during which he will meet with senior government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives. The Canadian High Commission in Dhaka stated that he will also visit Canadian-supported development initiatives in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar to evaluate their contributions to institutional strengthening, skills development, and economic opportunities for women and young people.
The visit aims to deepen Canada's longstanding development partnership with Bangladesh, focusing on greater engagement in trade, investment, and strategic economic cooperation. Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded CAD 4 billion in 2025, highlighting the growing economic relationship. Canada emphasizes that continued governance, regulatory, and economic reforms in Bangladesh could enhance transparency, boost investor confidence, and create new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Since Bangladesh's independence in 1971, Canada has provided over CAD 6.3 billion in official development assistance, supporting initiatives in health, education, gender equality, climate resilience, and institutional development. This support includes backing prominent Bangladesh-based development organizations such as BRAC and icddr,b, which have gained international recognition.
During his visit to Cox's Bazar, Sarai is expected to engage with Rohingyas, host community members, and humanitarian partners addressing the ongoing displacement crisis. Canada has been a major international donor to the Rohingya humanitarian response since 2017, contributing over CAD 600 million in assistance for displaced Rohingyas and Bangladeshi host communities.
The Canadian government has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing humanitarian assistance and closer collaboration with Bangladesh to promote shared prosperity, inclusive economic growth, and regional stability.