Workshop held in Sylhet on safe, legal and informed youth migration
A consultation workshop titled 'Community-based Awareness and Engagement for Safe, Legal and Informed Youth Migration' was held at Hotel Metro International on 2 March 2026.
The event was organised by the Institute of Development Affairs, with support from The Asia Foundation.
The workshop brought together 30 participants, including 18 students, four education consultants, two guardians, two local leaders, one returnee migrant, and four project staff. The organisers said the initiative aimed to promote safe, legal and informed migration among young people by strengthening collaboration among students, families, and education consultancies.
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The programme began with an introductory session and a presentation on the project's objectives. Speakers noted a growing trend of student migration and stressed the importance of proper documentation, transparent financial transactions, and compliance with visa regulations. They said safe migration depends on informed decision-making and community awareness, and described the project as a community-based approach to protect young people from misinformation, fraud, and irregular migration pathways.
In group discussions, students and guardians raised concerns about consultancy service fees, admission assurances, visa processing, and post-arrival support. Education consultants said they recognised the need for ethical practices, accountability, and better communication with clients. Participants recommended standardised information materials and stronger coordination among consultancies and community stakeholders to improve transparency and trust.
A question-and-answer session was held with Ferdous Alam, President of FACD-CAB Sylhet, who responded to queries on regulatory compliance, documentation requirements, and common mistakes made by students applying to foreign institutions. He emphasised verifying institutional authenticity and following legal procedures throughout the migration process, and urged consultancies to maintain professional integrity.
The workshop concluded with a summary of recommendations and a commitment from participants to promote safe and informed youth migration in their communities. The organisers said collaborative engagement among students, families, consultancies, and community leaders is essential for a transparent and supportive migration ecosystem.
