The Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh on October 29, 2024 signed a grant agreement with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) amounting to €2,970,297 to curb irregular migration and help returnees.

According to a press release from the Economic Relations Division of the Ministry of Finance, the agreement, titled “Reducing Irregular Migration and Supporting Returnees in Bangladesh”, will finance a two-year project implemented by the Ministry of Welfare Expatriates and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian government is the financial partner of the project.

The aim of the project is to contribute to strengthening safe migration pathways in Bangladesh by raising awareness, supporting sustainable reintegration and providing alternatives to irregular migration, the press release said.

The project’s interventions will contribute to achieving the objectives and targets of the country’s five-year plan and the SDGs related to migration issues.

Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, and Fathima Nusrath Ghazzali, Acting Chief of Mission of IOM signed the agreement.

Representatives of the UN wing of the ERD and relevant government agencies were present at the signing ceremony.

Since its inception, IOM has been instrumental in supporting development plans globally through financial and technical assistance. This agreement strengthens IOM’s mission to facilitate humane and orderly migration around the world. In Bangladesh, IOM focuses on initiatives aligned with the 2030 Agenda, particularly SDG 10.7, which promotes safe and responsible migration.