Govt working to strengthen immigration, border governance: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said the government is working to introduce necessary reforms and strengthen Bangladesh’s immigration and border governance system.

“We will continue working with the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police and all relevant government institutions to advance the necessary reforms and strengthen Bangladesh’s immigration and border governance system,” he said.

The Home Minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a briefing on the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Strategic Framework on Immigration and Border Governance in Bangladesh (2027-2031), held at a hotel in the capital.

He said the government is already moving forward with the modernisation of immigration management, including the introduction of e-immigration at the country’s international airport.

“Our objective is clear: a border governance system that is secure, modern, efficient, coordinated, protection-sensitive and responsive to Bangladesh’s development ambitions. We welcome IOM’s continued support in this journey,” he said.

Salahuddin thanked the IOM for organising the initiative and bringing together the government, development partners and other relevant stakeholders on an issue of growing national importance.

He also acknowledged the engagement of development partners, stressing that the reforms must be sustained through government leadership and national ownership.

“The Government of Bangladesh remains committed to taking this agenda forward,” he said.

He also assured that the government would remain engaged with the IOM and take part in all steps of the initiative.