New York: Bangladesh called for stronger global cooperation to curb irregular migration, protect migrant rights and ensure fair recruitment, decent work and fair wages for migrant workers. Speaking at the General Debate of the Second International Migration Review Forum at United Nations Headquarters, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said Bangladesh was strengthening accountability and expanding migrants’ access to justice through a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach.

He said the country had formed a Migration Compact Taskforce and adopted a National Action Plan for 2026–2030 to advance safe, orderly and regular migration under the United Nations Global Compact for Migration (GCM). The minister said Bangladesh had fulfilled seven of its 10 commitments made at the first review forum, submitted six new pledges and joined two regional initiatives, while presenting its first Voluntary National Review on GCM implementation.

Describing climate change as a growing reason of migration, he called for predictable financing and technical support for climate-affected countries. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to working with partners to promote safe migration and dignified return and reintegration of migrants.