Bangladesh launches National Action Plan to promote safe migration

Dhaka: Bangladesh has launched its National Action Plan (NAP) 2026-2030 to implement the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM), reaffirming its commitment to protecting migrant workers while maximizing migration's contribution to national development.

The plan, approved by the Cabinet on May 21, was officially unveiled at a ceremony in Dhaka on August 2, organized by the Bangladesh Migration Compact Taskforce (BMCT), co-chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The event also reviewed the outcomes of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026, highlighting Bangladesh's role and contributions to the global migration agenda, read a press release.

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury attended the event as the chief guest, while State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam chaired the program.

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque, Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin, and IOM Deputy Director General for Operations Ugochi Daniels joined the event as special guests.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Expatriates' Welfare Secretary Md. Mokhtar Ahmed, who serve as co-chairs of the BMCT, also addressed the gathering, outlining the significance of the National Action Plan and reflecting on the outcomes of the 2026 IMRF.

Speakers stressed the need for continued collaboration among government agencies, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and migrant communities to ensure the successful implementation of the action plan.

They reaffirmed the government's commitment to making migration safer, more orderly, and regular while safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of Bangladeshi migrants and enhancing migration's contribution to the country's socio-economic development.

The program also featured Bangladesh's renewed commitments toward implementing the Global Compact for Migration, remarks from civil society representatives, and the formal unveiling of the National Action Plan.

A documentary highlighting Bangladesh's migration journey, achievements, and challenges, along with a thematic exhibition on migration, was also showcased during the event.