Bangladesh calls for stronger global cooperation on safe migration at UN forum
Published: 08 May 2026, 2:51:15
Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has called for enhanced international cooperation to combat irregular migration and safeguard the rights of migrant workers worldwide.
He made the call while addressing the General Debate of the Second International Migration Review Forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations, the minister stressed the importance of ensuring fair recruitment practices, decent working conditions and equitable wages for migrant workers.
He said Bangladesh is strengthening accountability mechanisms and expanding migrants’ access to justice through a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach.
Highlighting the country’s recent initiatives, the minister said Bangladesh has established a Migration Compact Taskforce and adopted a National Action Plan for 2026–2030 to promote safe, orderly and regular migration under the framework of the UN Global Compact for Migration (GCM).
Ariful Haque Choudhury also noted that Bangladesh has already fulfilled seven out of the 10 commitments it made during the first review forum, submitted six new pledges and joined two regional initiatives related to migration governance.
He further informed the forum that Bangladesh has presented its first Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration.
Describing climate change as an increasingly significant driver of migration, the minister called for predictable financing and technical assistance for countries affected by climate-related displacement.
Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to international cooperation, he said the country would continue working closely with global partners to promote safe migration and ensure the dignified return and reintegration of migrant workers.
