Reiterating Bangladesh's commitments on the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) for effective migration governance, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Sunday underlined that human mobility lies at the heart of today's global transformation.
"Migration can be a powerful driver for achieving zero poverty and zero unemployment, aligning with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus's goal of Three Zeroes," he said at the national consultation for the regional review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in Dhaka, reports UNB.
He mentioned that GCM serves as an instrumental framework for addressing key issues such as looming poly-crisis, climate change, post-pandemic economic recovery and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Foreign Secretary said it reflects their collective commitment to humane and rights-based migration governance. "Bangladesh remains steadfast in implementing the GCM and calls for collaborative global action to tackle these shared challenges. Together, we must strive to make migration a safe, dignified, and empowering choice for all."
Bangladesh Migration Compact Taskforce, supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bangladesh, organised the national consultation which will help prepare Bangladesh to showcase its achievements at the Regional Review of GCM in February 2025.
The national consultation provided a crucial platform to assess Bangladesh's progress in the GCM implementation and also identified challenges and opportunities to inform the country's position at the second GCM Regional Review for Asia and the Pacific, scheduled to be held in February 2025.
As a GCM Champion Country, Bangladesh has been at the forefront to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration. The consultation provided a solid platform to highlight the country's achievements and provided a forum for dialogue among stakeholders on improved migration governance.
Iori Kato, Regional Director for IOM Asia and the Pacific, through his video address, said the GCM remains invaluable in guiding migration governance. "It responds to new challenges such as climate change, post-pandemic recovery, while contributing to the sustainable development goals."
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Md Ruhul Amin reiterated that the National Consultation provides an opportunity to highlight Bangladesh's progress in implementing the GCM and addressing migration challenges.
"Through collective efforts, The Government of Bangladesh aims to refine strategies that address these challenges, enhance the rights and well-being of migrants, and align with global best practices for sustainable development," he said.
