Bangladesh, UK agree to tackle organized immigration crime

Dhaka: Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have agreed on a new framework to strengthen cooperation against organized immigration crime, including visa and document fraud and criminal networks exploiting vulnerable people through fraudulent migration schemes.

The framework will establish a mechanism for closer cooperation between the two countries to identify, disrupt, and address organized immigration crime and other criminal activities linked to irregular migration.

Under the arrangement, Bangladesh and the UK will enhance information sharing and operational cooperation, hold regular engagements to review progress and discuss cases of mutual interest, read a press release from the UK High Commission.

The partnership aims to protect Bangladeshi citizens from criminal networks that profit from unsafe and irregular migration routes, while supporting lawful migration and strengthening efforts to combat fraud, exploitation, and human trafficking.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said the agreement reflected the two countries' shared determination to protect citizens from organized criminal groups that exploit migration for financial gain.

“Through closer cooperation, both countries will work together to address organized immigration crime, support lawful migration, and strengthen efforts to protect individuals and families from fraud, exploitation, and trafficking,” she said.

Cooke said Bangladesh and the UK enjoyed a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual respect and close people-to-people ties.