International migrants day celebrated at Bangladesh Embassy in Rome
The Bangladesh Embassy in Rome observed International Migrants Day 2025 and National Expatriates Day 2025 with due respect on Thursday, 18 December.
Bangladeshi expatriate professionals, businesspeople, students, and social and political leaders living in Italy participated in the programme.
On the occasion, messages from the chief adviser, foreign affairs adviser, adviser for expatriates' welfare and overseas employment, and home affairs adviser were read out at the embassy. A video documentary sent by the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment was also screened.
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Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy Rakibul Haque presented a report titled "Measures to expand regular migration of Bangladeshis to Italy" before the participants. This was followed by an open discussion with expatriate Bangladeshis, where participants shared their views, suggestions and expectations regarding regular migration, expatriate rights and consular services.
Discussions also focused on the significance of the day, migration opportunities and future priorities. The opportunity for expatriate Bangladeshis to exercise their voting rights through the postal voting system in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election was highlighted. Embassy officials explained the registration process for the postal voting app, ballot distribution and voting procedures, and encouraged expatriates to participate in the electoral process. Ongoing awareness initiatives by the embassy were also outlined.
In his speech, Ambassador Rakibul Haque said more than 200,000 Bangladeshis currently live in Italy and send over $1.3 billion in remittances annually, making a significant contribution to Bangladesh's economy. He said the Bangladeshi community in Italy continues to strengthen bilateral friendship and socio-cultural ties between the two countries.
He praised expatriates for sending remittances through legal channels and reaffirmed the embassy's commitment to ensuring quality services for expatriate Bangladeshis. He also highlighted initiatives taken by the embassy and plans of the interim government to protect the rights, dignity and welfare of expatriates.
Referring to the introduction of postal voting for expatriates as a major achievement of the current government, the ambassador urged expatriate Bangladeshis to actively participate in the country's democratic process.
As part of the observance of International Migrants Day and National Expatriates Day, improved services and hospitality arrangements were provided for more than 300 Bangladeshi expatriates seeking consular services at the embassy. The video documentary was also screened at the consular service area.
