Key highlights:
- Canada’s Rohingya strategy is supported by a $288.3 million fund from 2021 to 2024
- Canada’s strategy has supported Bangladesh with 98 health facilities, including 19 that provide round-the-clock basic emergency obstetric and newborn care
- The bilateral merchandise trade value rose from $600.5 million in 2004 to over $2.4 billion in 2018, a more than threefold increase
The relationship between Bangladesh and Canada is diverse and complex, spanning many sectors and domains that have increased and improved over time. Based on common values of democracy, freedom, human rights, the rule of law, and the rights of women and children, the two countries have strengthened their bilateral ties, extending to many areas of mutual interest.
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Canada initially focused on rebuilding and restoring and then shifted to governance, rural development, agriculture, water management, primary education, and health.
The Canadian government has also participated in socio-economic development in Bangladesh through various projects carried out by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
On Monday, 29th January, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said Bangladesh and Canada are eager to broaden the existing multiple engagements between the two countries and explore the areas for further cooperation.
“We have excellent relations with Canada. We have multiple engagements with Canada. They (Canada) want to enlarge and enhance these engagements,” Dr Hasan said to reporters after his meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls.
Canada’s Efforts for Rohingyas in Bangladesh
To assist the Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi communities affected by their presence, Canada collaborates with the Government of Bangladesh. Canada’s Rohingya strategy is supported by a $288.3 million fund from 2021 to 2024.
This phase will promote a political solution and lasting peace in Myanmar that is inclusive of all stakeholders, while adapting to the new situation after the military coup in February 2021 and continuing to help the populations in Myanmar and Bangladesh that are in crisis and need assistance, especially the Rohingya refugees and their host communities.
As one of the main contributors to the Rohingya relief effort, Canada has offered humanitarian aid, development assistance, and advocacy for justice and accountability. Canada has also named a Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, who also advises the government on the Rohingya situation.
Canada has urged the full execution of the suggestions of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which involve granting citizenship rights, freedom of movement, and access to services for the Rohingya.
So far, Canada’s strategy has supported Bangladesh with 98 health facilities, including 19 that provide round-the-clock basic emergency obstetric and newborn care. 1,331 learning centres have been set up for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh; 112,000 Rohingya children have enrolled. They have given prenatal and infant care to 290,000 women and information on sexual and gender-based violence to 480,000 women. More than 53,000 deliveries have been performed by skilled birth attendants. 537 schools in host communities have received school effectiveness grants to promote gender-equitable education.
The Diverse Trade Dynamics Between Canada and Bangladesh
There has been significant growth in the commercial relationship between Canada and Bangladesh in the last two decades. The bilateral merchandise trade value rose from $600.5 million in 2004 to over $2.4 billion in 2018, a more than threefold increase. During this period, Canadian merchandise exports to Bangladesh multiplied by more than six times.
Agriculture items made up 70% of the Canadian merchandise exports to Bangladesh in 2018, which totalled $651 million. Canadian merchandise imports from Bangladesh in 2018 were nearly 1.7 billion, mainly consisting of ready-made garments. Bangladesh is the fourth largest market for Canadian pulse exports (for example, dry peas, lentils, chickpeas), and a major market for high-quality wheat.
Commercial Relationship Between Canada and Bangladesh (2004-2018)
- Bilateral Merchandise Trade Value:
- 2004: $600.5 million
- 2018: $2.4 billion
- Canadian Merchandise Exports to Bangladesh (2018):
- Total: $651 million
- Composition: 70% Agriculture items
- Canadian Merchandise Imports from Bangladesh (2018):
- Total: Nearly $1.7 billion
- Mainly Consists of Ready-made Garments
- Canadian Pulse Exports to Bangladesh:
- Fourth Largest Market
- Includes Dry Peas, Lentils, Chickpeas
Canada is a favored destination for Bangladeshi students who seek higher education abroad. In 2018, more than 6,500 Bangladeshi students studied in Canada, a more than 150% increase from 2014. Canada has delivered more than one million tons of Potash to Bangladesh since 1972. The trade between Bangladesh and Canada is particularly vital for the province of Saskatchewan. This Canadian province exports mainly wheat, fertilizers, and pulses to Bangladesh, which has grown by more than five times over the last 12 years, from U49 million to US$ 412.
To support humanitarian projects in Bangladesh, focusing on education and school facilities, the Alberta government has matched grants. The 2007 cyclone victims also received relief funds from Alberta. Between 2012 and 2016, the average annual imports from Bangladesh to Alberta province were CD $132 million.
Bangladeshi Students in Canada:
- 2018: 6,500+
- Increase from 2014: 150%
Potash Delivery to Bangladesh:
- Since 1972: more than 1 million tons
Trade between Bangladesh and Saskatchewan:
- Growth (12 years): 5x+
- 2007: U$49 million
- Current: US$ 412 million
Alberta’s Support to Bangladesh:
- 2007 Cyclone Relief:
- Funding from Alberta
Imports from Bangladesh to Alberta (2012-2016): Average Annual: CD $132 million
Canada’s Support for Bangladesh’s Journey
Bangladesh and Canada collaborate effectively within international forums, addressing critical issues such as women’s empowerment, climate change, migration, development assistance, and regional security. Canada highly esteems Bangladesh’s contributions to regional dynamics, including connectivity, economic collaboration, and counter-terrorism efforts. Canada underscores its support for Bangladesh’s endeavors to advance democracy and uphold human rights, with a specific focus on minority, women’s, and children’s rights.
At its core, the alliance between Bangladesh and Canada symbolizes a source of hope and unity, illustrating how joint efforts can effectively address global concerns and promote universal principles on the international platform. Together, they set forth on a path of shared aspirations, envisioning a tomorrow enriched by positive change.
