IOM and Bangladesh Reaffirm Commitment to Safe Migration and Labor Mobility

Ugochi Daniels Deputy Director General of Operations for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) met with Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, in Dhaka on August 2, 2026. The meeting centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation for safe orderly and regular migration.

During the talks State Minister Obaed expressed gratitude for the IOM’s continued support of Bangladesh’s humanitarian and development goals. As a champion of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) she emphasized the importance of a coordinated national action plan to effectively implement global migration objectives. She urged the IOM to assist in expanding legal migration pathways, preventing irregular migration and ensuring ethical recruitment practices.

A major priority for Bangladesh is aligning its workforce with global labor demands, particularly in sectors like healthcare caregiving and agriculture. Obaed stressed the need to safeguard the rights and welfare of migrant workers, especially women, through enhanced awareness and robust support services.

The State Minister also thanked the IOM for its crucial role in evacuating stranded Bangladeshis from crisis zones. She called for ongoing collaboration in areas such as climate-related mobility combating human trafficking, and sustainably reintegrating returning migrants. Addressing the refugee crisis Obaed praised the IOM's humanitarian aid for Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals and reiterated the need for international backing to ensure their safe and dignified repatriation to Myanmar.

In response Daniels praised Bangladesh's proactive leadership in global migration governance. Both officials concluded the meeting by reaffirming their mutual dedication to protecting migrants' rights and advancing Bangladesh’s long-term migration and humanitarian priorities.