Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday called on Canada to invest in Bangladesh to help rebuild the country from its economic difficulties.
The Chief Adviser made this appeal during a meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Lilly Nicholls, at the State Guest House Jamuna in central Dhaka.
Professor Yunus, recalling his long-standing relationships with Canada, including with its top politicians and development agencies, emphasized that his government needs Canadian support to boost economic growth. He mentioned that his story has been included in Canadian school textbooks.
"We need significant investment," he stated, adding that the Interim Government inherited an economy in disarray, with a substantial amount of debt.
"Our first priority is to fix the economy," he said, noting that the government is also restoring vital institutions that were damaged by the previous regime and is "bringing order and clarity to governance."
The Canadian High Commissioner expressed her government's readiness to support the Chief Adviser and the Interim Government.
She noted that Canada would be keen to boost food security in Bangladesh by supplying fertilizers and essential commodities.
She emphasized that Bangladesh must ensure labor rights in factories to continue enjoying trade preferences from North America.
Professor Yunus assured that his government would uphold labor rights "in accordance with ILO (International Labour Organisation) standards" to address the concerns of brands purchasing clothing from Bangladesh and international investors.
Nicholls also mentioned Canada’s interest in supporting the UN fact-finding mission in its efforts to establish justice and accountability for the massacres committed in July and August.
Yunus stated that the student-led revolution has ushered in a new era of hope for the country. "These are historical opportunities. These chances may never come back," he said.
He further noted that significant electoral reforms would be implemented before the country goes to vote. Under the previous government, "the election commission was turned into an election manipulation commission," he added.
The Canadian High Commissioner expressed her "deep concern" over the security situation in the Rohingya camps in southeastern Bangladesh and the escalating violence affecting Rohingyas living in Myanmar's Rakhine state.
She highlighted that Canada has contributed more than 600 million dollars for Rohingya humanitarian responses and called for livelihood opportunities for the Rohingya people.
The Chief Adviser called for easing overcrowding in the Rohingya camps by relocating some Rohingya from the Cox's Bazar camps. He affirmed that his government would do its best to provide hope to the Rohingya youth.
