News Flash
DHAKA, May 5, 2025 (BSS)- Home Adviser Lt. Gen. Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) has called upon Italy to take required measures to legalize Bangladeshi nationals.
“The Italy government will take generous initiatives to legalize Bangladeshi nationals staying in Italy,” he hoped in a meeting with Interior Minister of Italy Matteo Piantedosi held at the ministry’s conference room here today.
The Adviser has assured Italian minister of extending cooperation to return illegal Bangladeshi nationals under mutually agreed framework, said a press release of the ministry.
The Home Adviser said Bangladesh looks forward to work on a wide range of issues with Italy, including irregular migration flow, steps taken to dismantle criminal networks in human trafficking, and exploring ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of security.
In addition, he said, the two countries are poised to sign a declaration establishing the Joint Committee on Promoting Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Transnational Organized Crimes and the proposed Agreement on Cooperation in Security Matters.
The initiatives are intended to strengthen our collaboration based on mutual understanding, respect, and shared commitment, he said.
“We are aware that a significant number of Bangladeshi nationals have entered Italy through different channels, and we fully recognize the challenges faces by the Italian government,” he said.
Jahangir continued that many of these individuals began their journey with valid documentation. But sometimes they face exploitation and misinformation, particularly during secondary movements through transit countries.
“We are highly concerned about the matter. It is my firm belief that by shifting our attention to dismantling the criminal networks facilitating the irregular migration, we can make a significant impact in addressing this issue,” he said.
The Government of Bangladesh remains steadfast in addressing these challenges through a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy, he said, adding that this strategy is underpinned by three core principles- law enforcement, education, and protection of human rights.
The adviser said Bangladesh government has developed a robust legal framework aimed at combating human trafficking.
In line with this, Bangladesh has established the Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) Unit, dedicated to investigating trafficking-related crimes.
The Home Adviser said Special Tribunals have been set up at the Divisional Headquarters to expedite the legal proceedings.
“To ensure coordination across different sectors, we have implemented specialized training for law enforcement agencies, border guards, prosecutors, and judges to enable them to work together to bring perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Jahangir said that they also placed a high priority on inter-agency coordination, particularly in the realm of intelligence sharing, and put in place mechanisms to identify, rescue, repatriate, and reintegrate the victims.
“The Victims are provided with shelter, psychosocial counseling, healthcare, and vocational training to facilitate their successful reintegration in society,” he said.
However, the criminal networks are highly sophisticated and operate across the borders, he said.
“To further strengthen our cooperation, we see great value in establishing formal mechanisms for regular dialogue, legal cooperation, and joint efforts between our two countries,” he said.
The Home Adviser stressed on timely exchange of information, technical collaboration, and shared training opportunities to enhance collective capacity to respond effectively to the evolving threats.
Italy can help to strengthen Bangladesh Police, Bangladesh Borger Guard (BGB), Bangladesh Coast guard and other security agencies through exchange of training and other capacity development initiatives, he said.
The adviser said, Bangladesh appreciates Italy's proposal for an Agreement on Cooperation in Security Matters.
Additionally, Bangladesh is also eager to explore the possibility of entering into a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, which would further strengthen legal and judicial cooperation between the two countries, he said.
