Dhaka, 6 July 2022 (TDI): The Government of Bangladesh launched the Bangladesh Migration Compact Taskforce for facilitating the implementation, follow-up, and review of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM).

The launch event was held at the UNCLOS Conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and co-chaired by the Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary), Masud Bin Momen, and Secretary, Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ahmed Munirus Salehin.

Noteworthy, the launch of the Intra-governmental Taskforce is part of Bangladesh’s ongoing initiatives to implement its priorities among the 23 GCM objectives.

Also, the government made a pledge to form the Taskforce during the first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) in May 2022 in New York.

Remarks on the launched Taskforce

Foreign Secretary Momen emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to a rule-based international migration framework “taking a 360° approach” to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration.

“We would remain committed, despite the difficulties experienced in the last two years and more, to meaningfully deliver on our recognized role as a ‘Champion Country’ for the Global Compact on Migration (GCM),” the Foreign Secretary said.

According to Secretary Salehin, the Taskforce will offer a consultative space for policy and decision-making coordination. As well as information exchange and peer review.

Most importantly, Representatives from other Ministries and agencies of the government likewise participated in open discussions.

Also, the UN Resident Coordinator, Gwyn Lewis commended Bangladesh’s leadership in global migration discourses.

Lewis further stated that the newly launched Taskforce would be another step forward for Bangladesh’s leadership. Especially towards ensuring the safety, dignity, and human rights of every migrant.

The Chief of Mission of IOM, Abdulsattor Esoev in addition highlighted that the Taskforce will strengthen Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts. Specifically towards ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration within the mixed migration context.

In line with this, Esoev also regarded the initiative as the first of its kind in the world within the field of migration.

Above all, the Taskforce will consult the Bangladesh UN Migration Network, comprising representatives from all relevant UN agencies.