The new Chief of IOM in Dhaka, Mr. Lance Bonneau called on the Foreign Secretary Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Foreign Secretary congratulated him on assuming his office and reiterated the commitment of the interim Government on implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The Chief of IOM mentioned IOM’s long cooperation with Bangladesh and appreciated the constructive role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in it’s functioning.
The discussion touched upon promotion of regular pathways of migration, implementation of GCM and developing National Action Plan, development of database for skilled migration and skill matching, diaspora engagement, human trafficking, repatriation and reintegration of Bangladesh nationals in irregular situations and humanitarian crisis, safe and dignified return of FDMNs, scope of third country re-settlement, struggle and challenges of local community and seeking global attention on FDMN’s repatriation.
Foreign Secretary mentioned that integration of FDMNs is not a considerable option for Bangladesh. He highlighted the generosity Bangladesh has been extending towards FDMNs, security concerns in the area, environmental degradation and demographic changes caused by hosting such a large number of Rohingya population in that area.
Foreign Secretary advised to work more closely to facilitate the pathways of regular migration, which is also at the forefront of the agenda of IOM-DG. He assured the new Chief of all out cooperation in delivering his responsibilities.