Bangladesh calls for stronger global cooperation to protect migrants’ rights

Bangladesh has called for stronger global cooperation to prevent irregular migration, safeguard migrants’ rights, and ensure fair recruitment, decent working conditions, and equitable wages for migrant workers around the world.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury made the appeal while addressing the General Debate of the Second International Migration Review Forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on Thursday, according to a message received here today.

The minister said Bangladesh is strengthening accountability and widening migrants’ access to justice through a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach.

He noted that the government has formed a Migration Compact Taskforce and adopted a National Action Plan for 2026–2030 to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration under the United Nations Global Compact for Migration.

Ariful said Bangladesh has already fulfilled seven of the 10 commitments it made at the first review forum, submitted six new pledges, and joined two regional initiatives while presenting its first Voluntary National Review on implementing the Global Compact for Migration.

Highlighting climate change as a growing driver of migration, he called for predictable financing and greater technical support for climate-vulnerable countries.

The minister also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to working closely with international partners to promote safe migration and ensure the dignified return and sustainable reintegration of migrants.