Dhaka, Dec 20, (V7N) – During a recent meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Md Jashim Uddin, urged the newly appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ajit Singh, to expedite the processing of Canadian visas for Bangladeshi nationals, particularly students.
 
Foreign Secretary Uddin emphasized the growing need for efficient visa processing to strengthen bilateral ties, especially with regard to educational exchanges. In response, High Commissioner Singh acknowledged the concern and assured that he would extend the best possible support in addressing the issue.
 
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing the robust relationship between Bangladesh and Canada. Their discussions included broadening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, agriculture, technical assistance, skill development, capacity building, and people-to-people engagement.
 
Key Discussion Points:
 
Reforms in Bangladesh: During the courtesy meeting, Foreign Secretary Uddin briefed the High Commissioner on several significant reform initiatives undertaken by the Government of Bangladesh. These included notable advancements in various sectors aimed at improving governance and promoting economic growth.
 
Financial Sector Reforms: Both sides delved into discussions on ongoing reforms in Bangladesh’s financial sector, particularly focusing on efforts to strengthen revenue systems and improve law enforcement mechanisms.
 
Rohingya Crisis: One of the most pressing issues raised during the meeting was the Rohingya crisis. Foreign Secretary Uddin highlighted the immense challenges Bangladesh faces in hosting nearly 1.3 million Rohingya refugees and reiterated the country’s call for international assistance to facilitate their safe and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar. The Foreign Secretary expressed hope that Canada would play an active role in supporting these efforts.
 
Anti-Corruption Measures: Foreign Secretary Uddin emphasized the government’s strong commitment to combat corruption and money laundering, requesting Canada’s cooperation in the recovery of laundered funds from Bangladesh.
 
Canada’s Support: The High Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by Bangladesh in tackling these challenges and praised the progress in various development sectors.
 
Commitment to Strengthening Ties: Both parties reaffirmed their desire to deepen collaboration between Bangladesh and Canada, with a special focus on expanding trade relations and strengthening humanitarian cooperation.
 
Foreign Secretary Uddin congratulated Ajit Singh on his appointment as the High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh and assured him of the full support of the Bangladeshi government throughout his tenure. Both sides expressed optimism about the future of the bilateral relationship, with a clear focus on mutual growth and shared goals.
 
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomats from the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka.
 
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