Canada has said it remains “committed to support” the people of Bangladesh in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future. “Fair elections with a viable opposition, independent democratic institutions and freedom of the press are critical to ensuring a strong and healthy democracy,” said the Canadian government in a statement. Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU Canada expressed its “disappointment” that this electoral process has “fallen short of” the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded, and called on the relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh. New Bangladesh Ambassador Rezina Ahmed presents credentials to Portuguese president Global Affairs Canada on January 9 issued the statement regarding the parliamentary election held in Bangladesh on January 7, 2024.  “Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections,” said the Canadian government. Scottish MP congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, praises election process The country extended sympathy to all of those who have been affected by the violence that has occurred. Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.

A training programme on disaster preparedness concluded with the participation of volunteers under the Cyclone Preparedness Programme of the government in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday.     The training titled ‘Intensive Disaster Response & Rescue (ComFIDRe)’ ended at Orchid Blue Hotel at Inani in Cox’s Bazar.   Certificates were given among the 24 participants (15 males and 9 females).   With this, a total of 85 participants (49 males and 36 females), who hailed from different areas of this district, took part in the training held in three separate phases.     The training session was divided into three phases. The 1st phase started on November 8 last year. The 2nd phase started on January 17 and the 3rd phase (spanning five days) from February 28 this year.   BRAC, one of the largest NGOs in the world, organised the training activities with the financial support of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Australian government.     Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence was an associate partner in the training.   The participants were imparted both practical as well as theoretical knowledge on a landslide, fire-fighting system, emergency rescue and first aid.   They were trained on how to come to the aid of the victims during a disaster.      After receiving the training, the volunteers are expected to aid the main rescuers during a disaster.     Monir Hossain, instructor of training complex section of Fire Service and Civil Defence; Iqbal Bahar, deputy assistant director of Fire Service; Newton Das, Deputy Assistant Director, Fire Service & Civil Defence; and others were present as trainers.      On behalf of BRAC, Md Abdul Motin Shardar, head of host community programme under BRAC’s Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme(HCMP); Shuvo Kumar Saha, sector specialist of Disaster Risk Reduction Programme under HCMP of BRAC and Matiar Rahman, assistant project officer under HCMP of BRAC were present.          Moushumi Arzu, one of the participants, who has graduated from Eden Mohila College while expressing her reaction, observed that it would be our big achievement if we can utilize the knowledge received in the training.