The newly appointed Chief of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bangladesh, Dr Laura Tomm Bonde, on Thursday reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Bangladesh in expanding regular migration pathways and promoting whole-of-government and regional approaches to climate mobility.
Presenting her credentials to Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, she said she looked forward to working closely with the government to ensure the protection of migrants’ rights and to make migration contribute meaningfully to sustainable development through well-governed and inclusive migration systems.
Dr Bonde said that the overall migration landscape in Bangladesh is highly dynamic, presenting both opportunities and challenges.
Welcoming Dr Laura Tomm Bonde to Bangladesh as the Chief of Mission, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman expressed hope for continued strong partnership between the Government of Bangladesh and the IOM.
She also highlighted climate-induced displacement and the disaster risks Bangladesh faces due to its vulnerability to climate shocks, including floods, cyclones, droughts, and salinity intrusion.
Assuming her role at a pivotal time, Dr Bonde noted that Bangladesh is navigating complex migration dynamics—from expanding opportunities for safe and regular labour migration to hosting over one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in Myanmar, in what remains one of the world’s largest protracted displacement crises.
She underscored IOM’s continued prioritization of the Rohingya response, including the delivery of life-saving assistance and support for affected host communities in Cox’s Bazar.
Reaffirming the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) continued commitment, the new Chief of Mission said the organization would support the Government of Bangladesh across the full migration cycle.
This includes strengthening safe and regular labour migration, improving health and pre-departure services, reinforcing border governance, and enhancing protection and reintegration support for vulnerable migrants.
Bonde previously served as IOM Chief of Mission in Mozambique for six and a half years, said the UN agency.