Bangladesh and Canada have underscored the need to expand bilateral defense collaboration and explore institutional channels to reinforce regional peace, security, and stability.

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh and Trade Commissioner Kamal Uddin met with Bangladesh’s Defence Adviser to the Prime Minister, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam, at the Armed Forces Division (AFD) on August 17 to review shared priorities and bilateral issues.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the session allowed both sides to assess current military ties with the Bangladesh Armed Forces while identifying opportunities to deepen direct government-to-government collaboration.

Key areas of potential cooperation include professional training, capability enhancement, aerospace development, defense technology, and industrial growth.

The discussions also encompassed Canada’s newly introduced Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), Ottawa’s broader strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region, and Bangladesh’s prominent role in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

During the engagement, the High Commissioner expressed appreciation to the Bangladesh Armed Forces "for the critical role they played in ensuring stability and facilitating a peaceful transition to democracy in Bangladesh over the last two years."

Reaffirming Ottawa's dedication to bilateral relations, Singh noted, "Canada remains committed to deepening its longstanding partnership with Bangladesh and working with Bangladesh’s Armed Forces and security agencies to advance practical and mutually beneficial cooperation."