CA urges Canada to relocate manufacturing factories to Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on Canada to relocate its manufacturing factories to Bangladesh, leveraging the country's vast youth workforce to establish a thriving production hub.  

The proposal came during a meeting with Canada's Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon.  

Minister Hussen reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with Bangladesh, noting that progress on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) would boost confidence among Canadian businesses.  

"Businesses in Canada will feel encouraged if FIPA is signed. They will see it as a positive signal," Hussen stated.  

During the discussion, Professor Yunus also urged the Canadian minister to streamline the visa process for Bangladeshi students. In response, Hussen assured that Bangladeshis remain welcome despite recent reductions in student study permits, emphasizing that the policy was not targeted at any specific country.  

"We did cut visas, but there is nothing against Bangladesh. Any legitimate student from Bangladesh is welcome," he clarified.  

The Chief Adviser further sought Canada’s cooperation in recovering stolen Bangladeshi assets allegedly laundered abroad. "There is a whole area called 'Begum Para' where family members of corrupt individuals are living," he pointed out.  

Minister Hussen reiterated Canada’s stance against harboring illicit funds. "We don’t want corrupt money or plundered public funds in Canada," he assured.  

The meeting also covered Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives, the upcoming general elections, and the Rohingya refugee crisis.  

Also present were Ajit Singh, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs.