State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday underscored the government’s “zero tolerance” stance on illegal migration, stressing that skill development and structured migration pathways are essential to ensure safe and regular overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers.
She made the remarks while chairing a meeting on “Migration & Mobility - Bangladesh Situation” held at the state guest house Padma in Dhaka, according to a press release.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of recent deaths of Bangladeshi migrants attempting the dangerous Mediterranean Sea route via the Bangladesh-Libya-Italy corridor.
The discussion was attended by senior government officials, the foreign secretary, the Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh, the Chargé d’Affaires of Libya, and the Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Dhaka.
During the meeting, Shama Obaed issued a strong warning against human trafficking and migrant smuggling syndicates, urging that those involved in such illegal networks be brought under the law.
Participants also discussed the need to expand safe, orderly and regular migration channels by enhancing workers’ skills, language proficiency and employability abroad.
The Italian ambassador informed the meeting that the European Union is preparing a new asylum and migration regulation expected in June 2026, which will make legal status acquisition more stringent for irregular migrants.
The meeting highlighted the importance of linking skill training with job opportunities and building stronger partnerships with employers in destination countries to ensure employment-guaranteed migration systems.
The state minister also called for deeper engagement with the Bangladeshi diaspora, encouraging them to contribute remittances, investment, expertise and ideas under a “Bangladesh First” vision associated with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
All participating parties agreed to continue coordinated efforts to reduce irregular migration and promote safe, humane and rights-based migration systems.
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