Canada has welcomed the new interim government in Bangladesh led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus.

In a statement, Mélanie Joly, minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, also called for the peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh.

“Canada supports a peaceful way forward in the resolution of the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. In this regard, we welcome the inauguration of a new interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This is the first step in restoring peace, to pave the way for free and fair elections and democratic governance," Joly said.

“During this period of transition, Canada looks forward to engaging with the interim government in supporting a process that is inclusive with broad political participation by all sectors of society, including religious minorities, youth, women and other minorities.

“Canada reiterates its calls for calm and urges all parties to work together to promote the principles of democratic and inclusive governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. Canada also calls on the interim government to maintain full access to internet and other communication means to support the exercise of freedom of expression, and to pursue accountability and a full impartial investigation into the deaths and violence that have occurred," read the statement.