Bangladesh has sought deeper cooperation with Italy on skilled employment and legal migration, including Italian-language training at home, as Dhaka looks to expand economic ties with one of the largest destinations for Bangladeshi workers in Europe.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan raised the proposals during a meeting with Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at his office on Monday.

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam also attended.

Khan said the two countries should build on their longstanding relationship by identifying new areas of cooperation, particularly employment generation, skills development and trade.

A key focus was language.

Khan sought Italian support for establishing Italian-language programmes in Bangladesh, including training local instructors, to better prepare skilled Bangladeshis seeking employment in Italy.

Ambassador Alessandro praised the ministry's role in Bangladesh's development and expressed Italy's interest in expanding bilateral cooperation.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Alam said around 250,000 Bangladeshis currently live in Italy and that discussions focused on creating safer, legal pathways for migration through language and skills training.

He said the government would also work with local administrations and elected representatives to raise awareness about the risks of irregular migration.

The two sides discussed broader economic cooperation, including measures to increase trade, remittances and employment.

Khulna City Corporation and Milan have also explored cooperation on food security and reducing food waste, while the meeting discussed training and experience-sharing opportunities for Bangladeshi architects.

Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan and Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Dr Rafiqul E Mohammed were among senior officials attending the meeting.

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