Irregular migration in politically unstable countries a ‘worry’ for Bangladesh

The state minister for foreign affairs has said that “irregular migration” in politically unstable countries is a “worry” for Bangladesh.

M Shahriar Alam, speaking at a discussion on Sunday, sought “coordinated efforts” to address the problem.

He particularly referred to Iraq where thousands of Bangladeshis had been migrated last year, despite troubling situation and government’s advisory.

The refugee and migration issue received wide attention after the recent migration crisis in the EU and the Bay of Bengal, when many people were found dead while migrating illegally by sea.

Since Jan 1 Bangladesh is the chair of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). This is also the first year of the new Sustainable Development Goals.

The 9th summit of the forum will be held in Dhaka from Dec 8 to Dec 12.

The state minister expected a “constructive” dialogue on all aspects of migration during the forum.

Giving the dismal picture of the global migration situation, he said, it was the time to intervene and build a safe world for all migrants by addressing the irregular migration problems.

He said a “well-managed” migration can benefit both sending and recipient countries as migrants play critical role in socioeconomic developments.

Home Secretary Dr Md Mozzammel Haque Khan also spoke at the discussion organised by an NGO, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).