State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for stronger cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to expand legal migration pathways, protect migrant workers and match Bangladesh’s workforce with global labour market needs.
She made the call during a meeting with IOM Deputy Director General for Operations Ugochi Daniels at the foreign ministry, according to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Iori Kato, Special Adviser Priya Marwah and senior foreign ministry officials also attended the programme.
Shama praised IOM’s long partnership with Bangladesh in promoting safe and regular migration and reaffirmed the country’s role as a Champion of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
She said the National Action Plan would help implement the Compact’s goals in a coordinated way.
She stressed the need to expand legal migration opportunities, prevent irregular migration, promote ethical recruitment and improve skills in line with global demand. She sought IOM’s support in connecting Bangladesh’s workforce with overseas needs, especially in healthcare, caregiving and agriculture.
The state minister also highlighted the importance of protecting migrant workers’ rights, particularly women, and called for stronger awareness and support services.
She thanked IOM for helping evacuate and repatriate stranded Bangladeshis from crisis zones and sought continued cooperation on safe return, reintegration, climate‑related mobility and combating trafficking.
Shama further appreciated IOM’s humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya and urged the international community to create conditions for their safe and sustainable return to Myanmar.
Daniels praised Bangladesh’s leadership in migration governance and both sides pledged to deepen cooperation on safe, orderly and regular migration, migrant protection and humanitarian priorities.
