The government of Canada has announced 45 million Canadian dollars, about Tk390 crore, in investments and grants to strengthen 50 years of commercial and diplomatic ties with Bangladesh, according to a report by Daily Sakalbela.
The High Commission of Canada in Dhaka officially confirmed the funding in a statement sent on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Randeep Sarai, Canada’s minister for international development, announced the funds during a four-day visit to Bangladesh from 11 to 14 October 2026.
Bioenterprise Canada will receive 1.80 crore dollars to connect Canadian agricultural innovators with Bangladesh to improve local food security. Cowater International will receive 1.80 crore dollars to simplify business environments and help Bangladeshi products reach global markets. The World Bank will receive 50 lakh dollars to accelerate economic and institutional reforms. The International Finance Corporation will receive 40 lakh dollars to support private sector growth and financing for businesses.
During the visit, Minister Sarai held high-level meetings with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed Islam, and Prime Adviser and Spokesperson Mahadi Amin. The discussions covered potential cooperation in agriculture, education, public health, renewable energy, and climate finance.
The minister also visited a BRAC skills development training center in Dhaka and the icddr,b hospital. Later, he traveled to Cox’s Bazar to see Rohingya refugee camps and visited the Gildan Activewear Bangladesh Limited factory in Gazipur.