Bangladesh urges stronger global action on migrant rights

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has called for stronger global cooperation on migration governance, urging improved data systems, enhanced protection for migrant workers, and intensified efforts to combat discrimination and misinformation.

Speaking as co-chair of Multi-stakeholder Round Table-4 of the UN International Migration Review Forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, he said migrant workers must be treated as rights-holders, not "disposable labour inputs."

The minister stressed the need for accurate, disaggregated migration data, stronger national statistical systems, better inter-agency coordination, and safeguards for privacy and human rights, according to a statement issued by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations on Wednesday (6 May).

He added that multi-service information hubs, digital platforms, and community outreach are key to ensuring migrants receive timely and reliable information at all stages.

Underlining that domestic, agricultural, and informal sector workers remain particularly vulnerable, Ariful called for a rights-based approach to prevent exploitation and unsafe conditions.

He also warned against rising anti-migrant narratives driven by xenophobia and misinformation, urging accountability for hate speech and stronger digital literacy.

The minister called for deeper bilateral and global cooperation, saying migration must be managed through a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society" approach to ensure dignity, protection, and shared prosperity.