Canada concerned over rise of extremism in Bangladesh
Canada has expressed concern over the rise of violent extremism in Bangladesh, said a senior Canadian diplomat today.
“Canada is troubled by the rise of violent extremism in parts of South Asia. Rise of such extremism in Bangladesh is a matter of particular concern for Canada,” said Robert McDougall, executive director of Global Affair Canada’s South Asia Desk.
He was addressing a discussion titled “Canada-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations: 45 years of progress” jointly organised by the Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh and the Institute of Policy Advocacy and Governance (IPAG) at a city hotel.
Robert McDougall, former high commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, said good governance and democracy were extremely important for development of Bangladesh.
Canada, which is one of the first western countries to recognize Bangladesh in 1972, has been a development partner and will continue to be so, he added.
Presently, the trade between Canada and Bangladesh is worth US$2 billion with Bangladesh exporting goods, mostly readymade garments, worth US$1.6 billion, Robert said.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam lauded Canada’s role in rebuilding Bangladesh after its independence and continuing to be a major development partner until now.
He requested Canadian investors and Bangladesh origin Canadians to make more investments in Bangladesh, which is a priority country for Canada.
Shahriar Alam said repatriation of Bangabandhu's self-confessed killer AHMB Noor Chowdhury would take the relationship of the two countries to a new height.
Prime Minister’s Economic Affairs Adviser Mashiur Rahman and IPAC Chairman Professor Munir Khasru also spoke.
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