Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday sought more Canadian investment in various sectors of Bangladesh for the mutual benefits of the two countries.  The Prime Minister came up with the request when newly appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Benoit Prefontaine met her at her Jatiya Sangsad office.  After the meeting, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters, reports the UNB. 

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh needs more investment to achieve further economic progress through development of various sectors.  Pointing out her government's initiative to establish 100 special economic zones in the country, she said the government is providing all necessary facilities and wants to facilitate investors to invest there.  About Rohingya refugee issue, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh has given shelter to over 10 lakh Myanmar nationals on humanitarian ground.  While talking about the next general election, Hasina said her government wants country's democracy to continue smoothly.  She mentioned that the Election Commission introduced transparent ballot box and prepared a flawless voter list with the photographs of voters.  In reply, the Canadian High Commissioner lauded the government of Sheikh Hasina for giving shelter to the Rohingya refugees and extending all-out assistance to them.  He said Canadian Prime Minister Justine Truodo had also sent a special envoy to Myanmar to discuss the Rohingya crisis with the Myanmar authorities.  At the meeting, Hasina elaborated her government's stunning successes and achievements in various sectors saying Bangladesh's GDP growth now stands at 7.28 percent, while the per capita income rose to 1610 dollars and the poverty rate came down to 22 percent.  Besides, she said, the government is encouraging parents and guardians to send their children to schools, while the money of stipends is being sent to mothers' cell-phone accounts directly.  The Canadian High Commissioner told the PM that Canada will continue to further strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh and said his country is optimistic about the potentials of cooperation on various sectors between Dhaka and Ottawa.  He said Canada wants to help Bangladesh further promote women empowerment.  Benoit Prefontaine said the Canadian Foreign Minister will visit Bangladesh soon to discuss various issues to strengthen cooperation between Canada and Bangladesh.