The New Nation - Internet Edition

BUSINESS REPORTER

Australian High Commissioner, Douglas Foskett, signed an agreement with Ms Rabab Fatima, Regional Representative for South Asia of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), to continue an extended phase of the project titled 'Enhancing Capacity of the Immigration Officials to Combat Irregular Migration in Bangladesh'.

To implement the project, IOM will receive an amount of AUD 95,213 (approximately Taka 61 lakh) under the South Asia Governance Fund 2007-08 of the Australian government.

The agreement was timely in light of the comments in the latest Trafficking in Persons Report 2008 that the government has yet to comply with the minimum global standards of human trafficking prevention. IOM will assist

Bangladesh government through this project to combat irregular migration including people smuggling and trafficking in persons, as well as better managing migration by effective border management. IOM will provide technical, professional and specialized inputs, and will be the manager of the project.

The Australian government puts high priority on the issue of irregular migration.

During the signing ceremony, High Commissioner Douglas Foskett said that Australia recognizes Bangladesh's continued commitment to be a part of the international effort to address the problem of irregular migration. Australia is pleased to be able to contribute to Bangladesh's efforts in this regard.