Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged Canada to relocate its manufacturing factories to Bangladesh and make the country a production hub, taking advantage of Bangladesh’s youth forces. He made this appeal during a meeting with Ahmed Hussen, the Minister of International Development of Canada, at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Ahmed Hussen expressed Canada’s willingness to continue technical discussions on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two nations. He noted that signing FIPA would encourage Canadian businesses to invest in Bangladesh.
During the meeting, Professor Yunus also requested the Canadian minister to expedite the visa process for Bangladeshi students. In response, Hussen assured that any legitimate student from Bangladesh would be welcomed, clarifying that the recent reduction in student study permits was not specifically aimed at Bangladesh.
The Chief Adviser further sought Canada’s assistance in recovering stolen money allegedly residing in Canada, particularly in a neighborhood known as ‘Begum Para’. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Bangladesh. Minister Hussen assured support, stating that the Canadian government does not want corrupt or plundered public funds in the country.
The Canadian Minister reaffirmed his government’s support for Bangladesh’s interim government and acknowledged the ongoing reform initiatives, the upcoming general election, and the challenges faced by Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. The meeting was attended by Ajit Singh, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary for SDG affairs.