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Dhaka: The European Union has shared its Eastern Corridor Initiative with Bangladesh as part of efforts to combat irregular migration, strengthen migration management and improve cooperation with countries of origin and transit.
EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner presented the initiative during a meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller was also present.
The discussions focused on migration management, the return of migrants, and efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Shama Obaed reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to safe, orderly and regular migration, urging the EU and its member states to expand opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi workers and professionals through practical, demand-driven and results-oriented mobility corridors.
She said creating more regular migration pathways would encourage people to pursue legal channels for overseas employment while helping address irregular migration.
The state minister also highlighted the government’s adoption of the National Action Plan (NAP) for 2026-2030 to implement the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
She informed the EU commissioner about Bangladesh’s efforts to prevent and combat irregular migration, including initiatives to tackle document fraud and dismantle criminal networks involved in facilitating illegal movement.
Shama Obaed stressed the need to address the root causes of irregular migration while expanding safe and legal opportunities for people seeking employment abroad.
Bangladesh expressed its openness to working with the EU on the initiative, and both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and maintain dialogue on shared migration priorities.
The state minister also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening its broader partnership with the EU, including through expanded trade and investment cooperation.
Brunner’s visit comes amid wider EU efforts to strengthen cooperation with partner countries on migration and security. As commissioner responsible for internal affairs and migration, he oversees EU policies and operational responses relating to internal security and migration management.
In a related development, the European Commission adopted a strategy in February to strengthen support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.
The initiative seeks to improve the prosperity and resilience of these regions, which the EU considers strategically important for its security, competitiveness and long-term stability following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Regions in nine member states, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, have faced challenges including hybrid threats, the weaponisation of migration, economic and trade disruption, and demographic decline.
The EU’s Eastern Corridor Initiative discussed with Bangladesh is aimed at tackling irregular migration through engagement with countries of origin and transit and other relevant stakeholders.