(BSS) –
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today called for
stronger cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to expand regular migration
pathways, strengthen migrant protection and align Bangladesh’s workforce with evolving global labour
market demands.
She made the call when IOM Deputy Director General for Operations Ugochi Daniels paid a courtesy call on
her at the foreign ministry here, according to a foreign ministry press release.
Daniels was accompanied by IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Iori Kato and Special Adviser
Priya Marwah, while senior foreign ministry officials also attended the meeting.
The state minister appreciated IOM’s longstanding partnership with Bangladesh in promoting safe, orderly
and regular migration as well as supporting the country’s development and humanitarian priorities.
Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment as a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)
Champion Country, she expressed hope that the GCM National Action Plan would provide a coordinated and
action-oriented framework for implementing the Compact’s objectives.
Shama stressed the need for enhanced cooperation to expand legal migration opportunities, prevent
irregular migration, promote ethical recruitment and improve the skills of prospective migrant workers
in line with changing international labour market requirements.
She also sought IOM’s support in matching Bangladesh’s skilled workforce with global demand by promoting
talent mobility and facilitating talent partnerships with destination countries, particularly in the
healthcare, caregiving and agriculture sectors.
Highlighting the importance of safeguarding migrant workers’ rights and welfare, especially those of
women, the state minister called for greater awareness initiatives and strengthened support services.
She thanked IOM for assisting in the evacuation and repatriation of stranded Bangladeshi nationals from
crisis-affected countries and sought continued cooperation on safe return, sustainable reintegration,
climate-related mobility and combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The state minister also appreciated IOM’s humanitarian assistance for the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar
Nationals and urged the international community to create conditions conducive to their safe, voluntary,
dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
Daniels praised Bangladesh’s initiatives to establish sustainable migration governance and commended the
country’s leadership in promoting safe, orderly and regular migration at the global level.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Bangladesh-IOM cooperation in advancing
safe, orderly and regular migration, protecting migrants’ rights and supporting the country’s migration
and humanitarian priorities.
