President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on Canada to increase its investment in Bangladesh, while stressing the need for stronger cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, food security, information technology, outsourcing and education.The president made the remarks on Tuesday when Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban. President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam shared the details of the meeting with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).During the meeting, President Mirza Fakhrul praised Canada's longstanding democratic tradition and sought its support in strengthening democratic practices in Bangladesh.He said the government is facing various challenges due to the prolonged absence of democratic practices and parliamentary traditions in the country. He added that the government has already initiated necessary reforms to establish democracy on a stronger institutional footing.The Canadian high commissioner said bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Canada has exceeded C$4 billion annually. He also noted that there is considerable scope for further expanding trade between the two countries.The president urged Canada to increase cooperation and investment in agriculture, food security, fertiliser, information technology, outsourcing and other potential sectors.During the meeting, High Commissioner Ajit Singh also informed the president about the upcoming visit of Canada's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to Bangladesh.The Rohingya crisis was also discussed during the meeting. The high commissioner highlighted Canada's continued support for the Rohingya refugees and said the Canadian government has so far provided around US$600 million in assistance.President Mirza Fakhrul thanked the Canadian government for its continued support and called on Canada to play a more active role in creating international pressure for the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.He also sought greater Canadian cooperation in the education sector, particularly in technical education, technology, nursing and medical training.The president said more than 100,000 Bangladeshis are contributing to Canada's development.The president's secretaries and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the meeting. Canadian Political Counsellor Marcus Davis also attended the meeting.