BD, Italy agree to conduct joint operations against human trafficking

Bangladesh has reached an agreement with Italy to exchange intelligence and carry out joint operations between law-enforcing agencies, reports bdnews24.com.

According to a media statement from the home ministry on Saturday, the understanding was reached during a ministerial-level meeting between the two countries' home ministries.

"The meeting agreed to establish joint security dialogues, exchange intelligence, and conduct joint operations for migration management and prevent trafficking," the statement said.

The bilateral meeting took place in Italy's Rome on Oct 16, with the Bangladeshi delegation led by Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Italy's delegation headed by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.

Both sides emphasised forming a joint task force to combat human trafficking, rehabilitate victims, expand legal migration opportunities, and enhance capacity in forensic investigation and asset recovery.

The statement added that the discussions also covered preventing irregular migration, human trafficking, money laundering, and financial crimes, as well as strengthening investigative capacity in fire incidents.

Italy expressed interest in providing technical assistance and training in these areas.

The meeting also proposed signing a mutual legal assistance treaty (MLAT) and an extradition agreement to facilitate cooperation in preventing financial crimes, the statement said.