Bangladesh is seeking energy cooperation with Canada’s Saskatchewan province to diversify its fuel mix and strengthen long-term energy security through partnerships in conventional fuels, clean technologies and small modular reactors.
High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Canada Md Jashim Uddin outlined the approach during a series of high-level meetings in Saskatchewan, according to an official message received in Dhaka on Wednesday. The discussions come as Bangladesh seeks to reduce reliance on imported fuels and manage exposure to volatile global energy markets.
During a meeting with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, the envoy proposed establishing a Bangladesh–Saskatchewan framework to guide cooperation in energy, alongside agriculture, agri-food value chains and research. The premier welcomed the proposal and expressed interest in advancing both immediate and long-term collaboration. Provincial Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding was also present.
Energy cooperation featured prominently, with Bangladesh emphasising the need to expand its power generation base through a balanced mix of conventional energy and low-carbon technologies. The inclusion of small modular reactors was highlighted as part of a broader strategy to ensure reliable baseload electricity while supporting the energy transition.
Md Jashim Uddin reiterated these priorities in separate meetings with Saskatchewan’s Minister of Energy and Resources Chris Beaudry and Minister of Agriculture David Marit. Both sides identified opportunities for technical cooperation, research partnerships and knowledge transfer, particularly in energy innovation and resource management.
The talks also reflected wider economic linkages. Saskatchewan is a major supplier of potash fertiliser, which remains critical for Bangladesh’s agricultural productivity and food security. Expanding cooperation into value-added sectors, including agri-processing, agricultural technology and downstream industries such as canola-based edible oil production, was also discussed.
During the visit, the envoy met Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre at Government House in Regina and was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. He also held discussions with Dr Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, focusing on academic collaboration, skills development and the role of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
Further engagements included meetings with Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, SaskPower and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre, where discussions centred on expanding trade, investment and sectoral cooperation.
The outreach signals Bangladesh’s broader strategy to secure diversified energy partnerships and reduce vulnerability to global supply disruptions while aligning its power sector with evolving technologies and long-term sustainability goals.
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