Dhaka: The Government of Bangladesh and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have signed a groundbreaking agreement to implement a £1.125 million European Union-funded project. This initiative aims to bolster climate mobility governance, enhance institutional capacity, and promote regional collaboration across South Asia.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the agreement was signed between the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance and IOM Bangladesh. The project, titled 'Promoting a Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asian Countries,' is set to run for three years. Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, and Dr. Laura Tomm Bonde, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh, formalized the agreement.
The project seeks to improve climate mobility data and information systems, expand research and knowledge exchange, and promote diaspora engagement in climate action. Additionally, it aims to enhance community resilience and foster regional collaboration among South Asian nations to address climate-related displacement and migration.
ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky emphasized the government's growing commitment to tackling the challenges of climate-induced human mobility. He highlighted the need to integrate climate mobility into national development planning, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation strategies to strengthen resilience and protect vulnerable communities.
Siddiky also commended IOM for its ongoing support in enhancing migration governance, generating evidence for informed policymaking, aiding vulnerable populations, and promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration in alignment with Bangladesh's development goals. He expressed optimism that the initiative would reinforce institutional capacity, improve knowledge and data systems, and facilitate evidence-based policymaking while advancing regional cooperation.
Dr. Laura Tomm Bonde expressed gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh, particularly the Economic Relations Division, for its continued partnership. She acknowledged the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for its guidance and the European Union for its generous financial support. She also thanked representatives of the participating ministries and agencies for their ongoing engagement.
Bangladesh and IOM reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing the country's preparedness for climate-related mobility challenges. They expressed confidence that the project would significantly advance Bangladesh's climate mobility agenda while creating new opportunities for regional learning and cooperation across South Asia.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including A K M Sohel, Additional Secretary and Wing Chief (UN Wing), ERD; Dr. Kazi Shahjahan, Joint Secretary of ERD; Fahmida Huq Khan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Md. Rajibul Alam, Senior Assistant Secretary, ERD; Ashfaqur Rahman Khan, National Programme Officer, IOM Bangladesh; and Dr. S M Morshed, Government Liaison Expert of IOM, along with representatives from relevant ministries and partner organizations.