Bangladesh eyes stronger IOM support for safe migration, digital services

Dhaka: Bangladesh and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration, improve migrant welfare and modernize migration governance.

The commitment came during a courtesy meeting between Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury and newly appointed IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Dr. Laura Tom Bond at the ministry on July 6.

Welcoming Dr. Bond, the minister thanked IOM for its longstanding technical support in formulating Bangladesh's migration policies and implementing the National Action Plan on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM).

He said the government looks forward to working closely with IOM on developing a national diaspora policy and a reintegration policy for returning migrants.

Highlighting efforts to modernize migration management, the minister said the ministry is strengthening its institutional capacity through the OIDF framework and introducing an integrated migrant information and service management system to improve service delivery.

He also said Bangladesh would continue implementing key migration initiatives, including the IFAD-funded Diaspora Project, the World Bank and Wage Earners' Welfare Board-supported RAISE project, and ongoing European Union-funded programs.

The minister expressed hope that the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and IOM would be further expanded to create safe overseas employment opportunities, modernize migration information systems, and promote sustainable development.

Speaking at the meeting, Expatriates' Welfare Secretary Md. Mokhter Ahmed said Bangladesh is currently benefiting from a demographic dividend but needs more strategic initiatives to transform its large workforce into globally competitive human resources.

He said IOM's strategic and technical assistance would play an important role in equipping Bangladeshi workers with skills that meet international labor market demands.

Dr. Laura Tom Bond praised Bangladesh for its leadership in implementing the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, describing the country as a leading champion of the global initiative.

She commended Bangladesh's progress in raising awareness about safe migration, supporting the reintegration of returning migrants, promoting regular migration pathways, and advancing women's empowerment.

Dr. Bond said IOM would continue supporting Bangladesh in these areas and noted that the current government's 20-point election manifesto closely aligns with IOM's global priorities and development goals.