A seven-member Canadian parliamentary delegation, led by Senator Salma Ataullahjan, met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday to discuss strengthening bilateral trade ties and addressing Rohingya crisis.

During the meeting, Chief Adviser Yunus briefed the delegation on the ongoing national reforms and preparations for the upcoming February elections.

“You’ve come at a time when Bangladesh is undergoing a significant transformation; an uprising led by young people. We are now preparing for an election that will mark a historic moment for the nation,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to Canada for its continued support of Rohingya community, the Chief Adviser stressed the urgency of finding a sustainable solution.

“Eight years have passed. The only viable solution is the repatriation of Rohingya people to their homeland. Around 1.2 million are living here and thousands of children have been born without any clarity about their citizenship or future. Financial constraints are making this crisis even more difficult,” he added.

Senator Ataullahjan reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting the displaced Rohingya community, emphasizing that the international community must not lose focus on their plight.

“I have long spoken about Rohingya issue. The concern is grave and the world must ensure their peace and security,” she said, thanking Professor Yunus for his dedicated efforts.

The delegation also included MP Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre–Don Valley East, Liberal), Sameer Zuberi, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities and member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, Mahmuda Khan, Global CEO of Human Concern International (HCI), Masum Mahbub, CEO of Human Concern USA (HCUSA), Ahmad Attia, CEO of Gestalt Communications and Usama Khan, CEO of Islamic Relief Canada.

MP Sameer Zuberi highlighted Canada’s intention to diversify trade partnerships with Bangladesh.

“We are looking to broaden our trade relations. Bangladesh and Canada enjoy strong people-to-people connections and our Prime Minister’s recent visit to Asia reflects our goal of expanding and diversifying trade partnerships,” he said.

Both sides explored potential areas for collaboration in the garments, agriculture and other export-oriented sectors, noting opportunities for increased Canadian investment in Bangladesh’s growing industries.

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were also present at the meeting.