Bangladesh launches Migration Compact Taskforce

Bangladesh government today launched Migration Compact Taskforce (Taskforce) aimed at facilitating the implementation, follow-up, and review of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM).

The Taskforce will provide a platform to ensure full support and cooperation from all relevant stakeholders through a 'whole of government' approach.

Senior officials of the government and the Bangladesh UN Network on Migration were present at the launch event held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Addressing the event, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said Bangladesh has consistently pursued the issue of migration as a top priority in its diplomatic engagements at the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.

"We would remain committed, despite the difficulties experienced in the last two years and more, to meaningfully deliver on our recognized role as a 'Champion Country' for the Global Compact for Migration (GCM)."

Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Ahmed Munirus Saleheen said Bangladesh has sent more than 13 million people abroad in the last 50 years and they made significant contribution to the country's development.

Migration is complex and multidimensional, and the GCM is a global tool that supports all to manage it safely and with dignity for migrants, he said.

"The Taskforce launched today will help us with this concerted effort. It will provide a consultative space for policy and decision-making coordination, information exchange and peer review."

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis said Bangladesh has not only recognised migration as a development tool, it has also included it in its development planning showcasing this through the mainstreaming of migration in the 8th Five-year Plan.

"This Taskforce is another step forward in our joint efforts to ensure the safety, dignity, and human rights of all migrants and effectively govern migration."

Abdusattor Esoev, IOM Bangladesh's Chief of Mission and Coordinator of the Bangladesh UN Network on Migration, stressed that migration provides immense opportunity and benefits – for migrants, host communities and communities of origin.

However, when poorly regulated, it can create significant challenges. The GCM leverages the overall benefits of migration while addressing its risks and challenges for individuals and communities. The Network commits to working closely with the Taskforce to support the implementation of the GCM in Bangladesh.