New york: 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.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ariful Haque Choudhury, speaking as co-chair of the Multi-stakeholder Round Table-4 of the UN International Migration Review Forum at UN Headquarters, emphasized that migrant workers must be treated as rights-holders, not merely as "disposable labour inputs." The minister highlighted the importance of accurate, disaggregated migration data, robust national statistical systems, better inter-agency coordination, and safeguards for privacy and human rights.
He further noted that multi-service information hubs, digital platforms, and community outreach are essential to ensure that migrants receive timely and reliable information at all stages of their journey. Choudhury pointed out that workers in domestic, agricultural, and informal sectors are particularly vulnerable and advocated for a rights-based approach to prevent their exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
Additionally, he expressed concern over rising anti-migrant narratives fueled by xenophobia and misinformation, calling for accountability in cases of hate speech and advocating for stronger digital literacy. Choudhury concluded by urging for deeper bilateral and global cooperation, asserting that migration must be managed through a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society" approach to ensure dignity, protection, and shared prosperity for all involved.