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Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam on Thursday said safe, orderly and well-managed migration is not only an economic issue but also a vital pillar of Bangladesh’s national security, internal stability and sustainable development.
Speaking at a keynote session titled “Migration Governance as a National Security Instrument in Bangladesh” at the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) in Mirpur Cantonment, he said migration governance has become increasingly important in the context of evolving global and geopolitical realities.
The Defence Adviser said national security is no longer confined to protecting territorial boundaries. Ensuring safe mobility, legal overseas employment, orderly cross-border movement, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi citizens abroad have become integral components of a modern national security framework.
He warned that failure to ensure safe and regulated migration could create multidimensional challenges for internal stability, border management and regional security.
Highlighting the contribution of remittances to Bangladesh’s economy, Dr Shamsul Islam stressed the need to develop a skilled workforce, expand opportunities for legal migration, and equip prospective migrant workers with adequate training, knowledge and protection before they leave the country.
He also called for stronger coordination among relevant institutions to combat irregular migration, human trafficking, fraudulent recruitment practices and transnational criminal networks.
The adviser said Bangladeshi expatriates are key contributors to both the national economy and the country’s international image. He underscored the importance of strengthening mechanisms to protect their rights, ensure their safety and provide effective assistance during emergencies.
He further emphasised the need for a comprehensive and forward-looking migration policy that integrates the economic, humanitarian, social and security dimensions of migration. Such a framework, he said, should be supported by evidence-based policy research, reliable data systems, skilled professionals and stronger institutional coordination.
Following the keynote address, an interactive discussion was held where BUP students raised questions on migration policy, human trafficking, the security of migrant workers, border management, regional geopolitics and national security. The Defence Adviser responded by sharing his views on the growing strategic importance of migration governance.
Upon his arrival at the university, Dr Shamsul Islam was received by BUP Vice-Chancellor Major General Md Mahbub-ul Alam. Senior military and civilian officials, deans, faculty members, researchers and students attended the programme.
Concluding the event, the Defence Adviser praised BUP’s contributions to education, research and policy dialogue, expressing hope that the university would continue to play an active role in generating research on national issues and promoting security awareness among the younger generation.