DHAKA - Dr. Laura Tomm Bonde, the newly appointed Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bangladesh, has praised the country for its responsible leadership in implementing the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. During a courtesy call on Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, Bonde congratulated the government on its achievements in this domain.
Continued IOM Support
Bonde assured that IOM would continue its comprehensive support to sustain Bangladesh's progress in raising awareness, promoting successful reintegration of returnee migrants, ensuring safe migration, and advancing women's empowerment. She noted that the 20 specific commitments in the current government's election manifesto are closely aligned with IOM's global action plan and objectives.
Government's Commitment
Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury congratulated Bonde on her appointment and expressed deep appreciation for IOM's continued support and professionalism in promoting safe and orderly migration. He highlighted IOM's commendable technical assistance in formulating Bangladesh's migration policy and implementing the National Action Plan for the Global Compact for Migration.
Future Collaboration
Both sides agreed to continue working together on the formulation and implementation of the National Diaspora Policy and the Reintegration Policy for Returning Migrants. The minister emphasized the importance of institutional capacity building and digital transformation within the ministry, noting that efforts are underway to strengthen the ministry and its affiliated agencies under the OpenID Foundation (OIDF) Framework.
Modernizing Migration Services
Ariful Haque Choudhury also mentioned the introduction of a comprehensive Migrant Information and Service Management System to modernize migration services. He referred to ongoing development initiatives, including the Diaspora Project financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) Project funded by the World Bank, and projects supported by the European Union.
Long-term Partnership
The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to further strengthening its long-term partnership with IOM to promote safe overseas employment, modernize migration information systems, and support sustainable development. Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Mokhtar Ahmed, Additional Secretaries Md. Saiful Haque Chowdhury and Zinat Ara, along with other senior officials from the ministry and IOM Bangladesh, were present at the meeting.
