The Government and the United Nations (UN) have launched a Joint Programme to help migrants and returnees rebuild their lives with dignity and access the social support needed to recover and thrive.
The 30-month programme brings together the International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) to address the medium- to long-term reintegration needs of Bangladeshi migrants and returnees.
Supported by the UN's Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF), the initiative will strengthen social protection mechanisms and promote social inclusion, with particular attention to vulnerable women, children and crisis-affected migrants.
The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment will implement the programme as the lead government ministry.
Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Dr Laura Tomm Bonde, IOM Chief of Mission in Bangladesh signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides on Thursday.
Among those present at the signing ceremony were A. K. M. Sohel, Additional Secretary and Chief of the UN Wing at ERD; MoEWOE Additional Secretary Md Saiful Haque Chowdhury; and Dr Kazi Shahjahan, Joint Secretary of the UN Wing of ERD, along with representatives from the ministry, IOM, ILO, UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA and other government agencies.
“Through this Joint Programme, the UN will bring their expertise together to support the Government of Bangladesh to continue for building a coordinated and migrant centredreintegration ecosystem,” Dr Laura said.
According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), more than 13 million Bangladeshis have travelled abroad for work since 2004, including over one million women.
The programme supports Bangladesh’s reintegration goals and the Global Compact’s Objective 21 on dignified return and sustainable reintegration.
It also advances the 2030 Agenda, particularly SDGs 5, 8 and 10 on gender equality, decent work and reduced inequalities.