Talks on fast-track Canadian visa processing for Bangladeshi students soon

Bangladesh High Commission in Canada will request the Canadian government to re-establish Canadian Visa Centre in Bangladesh and include Bangladesh in its expedited study permit application stream for international students called Student Direct Stream. 

The High Commissioner, Dr Khalilur Rahman, in a virtual discussion on 28 March said he would also insist on more Canadian investments in the country, according to a press release.

The discussion was organised by TV Metro Mail, Canada, and Progressive Action for Community Empowerment (PES) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence, Canada-Bangladesh historical relations and Ontario's Bangladeshi Heritage Month. 

Emamul Haque, executive editor of the Metro Mail, was the host of the programme.

Khalilur said various Canadian organisations were investing in Myanmar in collaboration with England and Europe, which was helping the military junta and sending a controversial message to people.

Thanking Canada for its humanitarian assistance in the Rohingya issue, he further said humanitarian aid alone was not enough for addressing the root causes of the problem.

Canada must pay attention to putting diplomatic and international pressure for repatriation of the Rohingya refugees, he added.

Referring to Bangladesh as a "development miracle", the high commissioner said Bangladesh was considered a role model to many developing countries now. 

So, Bangladesh wants to work with Canada not as an aid-depended country but as a development partner, he said.

Khalilur expressed the hope that Canada will continue providing Bangladesh's garment industry with duty free access. 

At the event, Doly Begum, elected provincial parliament member (MPP) of Scarborough Southwest, said, "For the development of Bangladesh, young people need to be encouraged to stay in the country."

Development assistance is not always a permanent solution to social problems, she said, adding that any assistance must be timely and appropriate. 

Canada must work equally and effectively, both at home and abroad, to establish social justice, she added. 

Dr Syed Sajjadur Rahman, senior fellow at the University of Ottawa and former executive director (Asia) of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), said Canada had contributed about $150 million annually to Bangladesh in the 1970s. 

As one of Bangladesh's largest development partners, Canada has engaged in development works, including in reconstruction and rehabilitation after the 1971 Independence. 

Rural development, agriculture, water management, primary education and health sector were given priority, Sajjadur added.

Canada has always appreciated Bangladesh's commitment to democracy and women's empowerment, he said. 

The discussion can be seen on TV Metro Mail YouTube link -- https://youtu.be/2vwlTEI4lWA.