Bangladesh, UK discuss migration, skill mobilization
Dhaka: Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have discussed strengthening cooperation on migration and skill mobilization, alongside broader bilateral issues, during a meeting between the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and a visiting UK parliamentary delegation.
The discussions between the delegation, led by Apsana Begum MP, chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh, and the state minister held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 6. Shockat Adam MP and Lord Qurban Hussain, a member of the House of Lords, were also part of the delegation.
The discussions focused on areas of mutual interest, including migration, skill mobilization, trade and investment, human rights, and parliamentary cooperation, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting comes as Bangladesh seeks to expand overseas employment opportunities by improving workers' skills and diversifying migration destinations beyond traditional labor markets.
The two sides also discussed the role of the UK Parliament and the APPG in strengthening engagement between Bangladesh, the UK, and the British-Bangladeshi community.
The state minister highlighted the UK's support for Bangladesh's democratic consolidation and reform initiatives and sought greater engagement with the UK Parliament to convey Bangladesh's progress and ground realities.
The Rohingya crisis was also discussed. Kobir said the prolonged crisis had evolved beyond a humanitarian concern, with wider implications for security and irregular migration.
He called for stronger international efforts to ensure the early, safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The UK delegation said it would visit the Rohingya camps on Wednesday and reaffirmed its support for the Rohingya community. The delegation also pledged to raise the issue in international forums, including the UK Parliament, to support continued humanitarian assistance and sustainable repatriation.
