Canada lawmakers meet Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Yunus on trade, Rohingya, polls
S Arefin 
Canadian delegation meets Yunus in Dhaka
A Canadian parliamentary team led by Senator Salma Ataullahjan met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, at State Guest House Jamuna. Both sides discussed strengthening trade ties and addressing the protracted Rohingya refugee crisis. Yunus said Bangladesh is preparing for a “historic” national election in February. He framed the moment as part of a broader youth-driven transformation.
Rohingya crisis: repatriation and aid cuts
Yunus reiterated that safe, voluntary return to Myanmar remains the only durable solution. He warned that funding shortfalls are deepening hardship for nearly 1.2 million refugees in Bangladesh. International agencies have also flagged rising needs and shrinking aid, urging renewed global support and a practical repatriation roadmap. However, conditions in Myanmar continue to complicate returns.
Trade ties: diversification and investment
Talks highlighted Canada’s interest in diversifying trade with Bangladesh. MP Sameer Zuberi noted strong people-to-people links and said Ottawa is seeking broader Asian partnerships. As a result, both sides explored investment opportunities in garments, agriculture, and related export industries. Officials emphasized scope for Canadian capital as Bangladesh upgrades its manufacturing base.
Reforms and election preparations
The Chief Adviser briefed the delegation on ongoing governance reforms and poll planning. He described the coming vote as a milestone and stressed administrative readiness. Meanwhile, Dhaka media reported continued meetings with political leaders to maintain momentum toward the timeline. The government says election preparations remain on track despite tensions.
Who was in the room
Alongside Senator Ataullahjan, the delegation included MPs Salma Zahid and Sameer Zuberi. Civil society leaders joined: Mahmuda Khan of Human Concern International, Masum Mahbub of Human Concern USA, Ahmad Attia of Gestalt Communications, and Usama Khan of Islamic Relief Canada. Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and SDG Affairs Secretary Lamiya Morshed also attended. The meeting summary was released via local outlets citing the Chief Adviser’s press wing.
Why it matters
Bangladesh seeks sustained external support as host to one of the world’s largest refugee populations. It also wants investment to keep export growth resilient amid global headwinds. Canada, meanwhile, is widening economic links across Asia and has a long record of humanitarian engagement. As the election nears, partners will watch Dhaka’s reform track and the humanitarian outlook closely.
Source: Chief Advisor GOV Facebook
About The Author
Sultanul Arefin 
Suzan Seherin 
