UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday told a visiting Canadian parliamentary delegation that Bangladesh is preparing for a national election, which he described as a “historic moment” for the country.

“You’ve come at a time when Bangladesh is undergoing a significant transformation, [after] an uprising led by young people. Now we’re preparing for an election, which will be a historic moment for the nation,” he said when Canadian Senator Salma Ataullahjan, and two MPs Salma Zahid and Sameer Zuberi called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna yesterday.

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen trade and address the Rohingya crisis. Yunus briefed them on the ongoing reforms and preparations for the February polls and thanked Canada for its support to the displaced Rohingya.

“Eight years have passed. The return of the Rohingya people to their homeland is the only viable solution; there is no alternative. Around 1.2 million [Rohingya] people are living here…. Now we’re facing financial cuts, which make this crisis even graver,” Yunus said.

Senator Ataullahjan reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting the displaced community, according to the chief adviser’s press wing.