Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser A K M Shamsul Islam said migration management is not only an issue of the economy, employment or labour markets, but is directly linked to internal stability, border security, humanitarian protection and overall national security. He made the remarks on Thursday as chief guest at a seminar on national security and migration management in Bangladesh at Bangladesh University of Professionals in Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka.

He said the concept of security is no longer confined to protecting state territory and geographical borders. Safe movement of people, lawful employment, orderly border-crossing procedures, and protection of the rights and dignity of citizens living abroad are now important components of national security. Failure to ensure safe, orderly and planned migration could create multidimensional challenges for domestic stability, border management and regional security, he said.

The adviser said remittance income makes an important contribution to Bangladesh’s economy. He called for developing skilled manpower, expanding lawful and safe migration opportunities, and ensuring knowledge, training and protection for people travelling abroad. He also stressed effective coordination among relevant institutions to prevent irregular migration, fraud, human trafficking and activities by international criminal networks.