Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said modern, technology-driven management is essential to strengthening border security and supporting national economic growth.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a briefing titled “Strategic Framework on Immigration and Border Governance in Bangladesh (2027–2031)”, organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at a hotel in Dhaka on Wednesday.
The minister said modern, integrated and technology-based border management plays an important role in safeguarding national security and promoting economic growth.
Bangladesh is now more connected to the outside world than ever before, he said, adding that the government is working to develop an internationally recognised immigration system that facilitates travel and trade while addressing cross-border risks.
He said border management must protect national security while facilitating legitimate travel and trade. Digital transformation, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, paperless administrative processes and stronger coordination among government agencies are among the government's priorities, he added.
Highlighting the role of the Special Branch (SB) of Bangladesh Police in border management, Salahuddin said the operational capacity of airports, land ports and immigration checkpoints must be strengthened through modern technology and appropriate policies. He also stressed the importance of human rights and protection.
Calling for coordination among ministries to prevent human trafficking, irregular migration and cross-border crime, the minister said border management was not the responsibility of any single agency but required collective efforts from relevant ministries, departments and law enforcement agencies.
He welcomed IOM's proposed strategic framework for 2027–2031 and urged the organisation to continue supporting Bangladesh in developing an internationally recognised border management system. He also called on development partners to increase technical and financial assistance.
IOM Chief of Mission in Bangladesh Dr Laura Tomm Bonde said the country had made significant progress in strengthening its migration and border management capacity.
However, changing travel patterns and operational needs required effective systems, skilled personnel and better coordination among relevant agencies, she said. IOM was keen to support the government's priorities through technical expertise and partnerships.
Also present were Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, additional secretary of the Political and Emigration Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs; Rebeka Khan, joint secretary of the Political-1 Branch; Md Kamrul Ahsan, additional inspector general of police (Special Branch); and Md Moazzem Hossain, deputy inspector general of police.
Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh and Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro also attended, along with representatives of partner organisations.
The discussion focused on facilitating legitimate travel and trade while addressing challenges such as human trafficking, cross-border crime and identity fraud.
IOM's proposed framework identifies four areas of cooperation: integrated border management; digital systems and information sharing; institutional and professional capacity development; and infrastructure and service improvements at selected border control points.