Government seeks international-standard immigration system, stronger data sharing and coordinated action against human trafficking
DHAKA, November 4: Bangladesh plans to strengthen its border management system through artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology and improved data sharing among government agencies, as the government seeks to facilitate international travel and trade while tackling human trafficking, illegal immigration and cross-border crime.
Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmad said a modern, integrated and technology-driven border management system was essential to accelerating economic growth and strengthening national security.
The government is working to develop an international-standard immigration system that will make legitimate cross-border movement easier while addressing emerging security challenges, he said.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a briefing on the Strategic Outline on Immigration and Border Governance in Bangladesh (2027–2031), organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Highlighting Bangladesh's growing connectivity with global transport and trade networks, Salahuddin said the country needed to strike a balance between facilitating legitimate international movement and strengthening security at its borders.
He said the government was prioritising digital transformation, responsible use of AI, paperless administrative processes and improved interoperability among public services under the National Integrated Border Management Strategy 2026–2031 and the Five-Year Strategic Reform and Development Framework 2026–2031.
The minister also highlighted the role of the Special Branch (SB) of Bangladesh Police in immigration management, stressing the need to strengthen operational capacity at airports, land ports and immigration checkpoints through a combination of effective policies and modern technology.
However, he cautioned that technology alone could not ensure effective border governance.
"Border management must also be human rights-sensitive and protection-oriented, while maintaining high professional standards," he said.
Emphasising coordinated efforts to combat human trafficking, illegal immigration and transnational crime, Salahuddin said border management could not be the responsibility of a single agency.
He called for stronger cooperation among relevant ministries, government departments and law enforcement agencies to address the challenges comprehensively.
Welcoming the IOM's proposed strategic outline for 2027–2031, the minister urged the organisation to continue providing technical support to help Bangladesh develop a world-class border management framework.
He also called on development partners to increase technical and financial assistance, saying investment in border governance would contribute not only to Bangladesh's security but also to regional stability and safer global mobility.
Speaking at the event, IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Dr Laura Tomm-Bonde said Bangladesh had made significant progress in strengthening its migration and border management capabilities.
However, changing travel patterns and operational requirements would demand more effective management, a skilled workforce and stronger coordination among relevant agencies, she said.
Tomm-Bonde reaffirmed IOM's commitment to supporting the government's priorities through technical expertise and partnerships.
The briefing was attended by Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Political and Immigration Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs; Rebecca Khan, Joint Secretary of Political Branch-1; 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, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, representatives of development partners and other stakeholders also attended.
Discussions focused on facilitating legitimate international travel and trade while preventing human trafficking, cross-border crime and identity fraud.
The IOM-proposed strategic outline identifies four priority areas for cooperation: integrated border management; digital systems and data sharing; institutional and professional capacity building; and infrastructure and service development at selected border points.
The framework also incorporates the government's five-year strategic reform and development plan covering July 2026 to June 2031.
