On Monday (September 7), these issues were discussed in a courtesy meeting with Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at the minister's office in the Secretariat. Local Government State Minister Mir Shah Alam was present at that time.

The meeting emphasized raising public awareness to prevent illegal migration and ensure safe and legal migration. Expanding Italian language education to increase skilled manpower export and creating opportunities for language and technical training for Bangladeshi workers interested in employment in Italy were also discussed.

State Minister Mir Shah Alam said about two and a half lakh Bangladeshis live in Italy. Italy's cooperation has been sought to increase legal manpower export through skill and language training. At the same time, it was informed that initiatives have been taken to raise awareness to prevent going abroad through illegal routes by involving local administration and public representatives.

Besides, joint work with Khulna City Corporation and Milan City on food safety and prevention of food wastage, training and experience exchange for Bangladeshi architects, and increasing trade, remittance and employment between the two countries were also discussed.

The Italian Ambassador praised the role of the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry in Bangladesh's development activities and expressed Italy's interest in further expanding cooperation between the two countries.