Bangladesh will work with Britain to prevent irregular migration

He said these things during a courtesy meeting with British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke at his office today. State Minister Md. Nurul Haque and Secretary Md. Mokhtar Ahmed were present at this time.

The minister sought British assistance in English language and technical training according to the demands of the UK labor market. He emphasized enhancing the capacity of technical training centres and the Institute of Marine Technology, and said British cooperation in 'green skills' and 'digital skills' training was important. Besides, he stressed forming a 'Joint Working Group' to ensure the continuation of the 'RISE' project for rehabilitation of returnee workers and to implement bilateral discussions on migration.

State Minister Nurul Haque said, to develop skilled manpower according to European demand, training centres in the country can be connected with British institutions, which will encourage young people to migrate through legal channels.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke expressed interest in working jointly to build skilled manpower in Bangladesh and informed that cooperation would be strengthened to ensure safe and affordable migration. She also mentioned partnerships in implementing the Global Compact on Migration.

Regarding irregular migration, the High Commissioner said the UK has a strict stance on asylum seekers, and Bangladesh is currently among the top five countries. In recent times, few asylum applications have been approved; the rest are being deported. She noted that if a person whose application is rejected returns voluntarily, they are given 3,000 pounds as rehabilitation assistance, but there is no such benefit in deportation.

Ryan Duncanson, Counselor of the British High Commission, and senior officials of the ministry were present at the meeting.