Economy
Italy to take Skilled Worker from Bangladesh to Counter Illegal Immigration
In a significant move to tackle illegal migration, Italy and Bangladesh have reached an agreement aimed at containing the flow of undocumented migrants to the European country.
As part of a bilateral migration and mobility arrangement, Italy has agreed to welcome skilled workers from Bangladesh, particularly in sectors such as construction, shipbuilding, and hospitality. The decision was announced during the first-ever Political Consultations held in Rome, where Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Riccardo Guariglia, led their respective delegations.
Italy expressed satisfaction with the current situation, noting that over 46% of workers under the Flussi Decree, which regulates seasonal and non-seasonal employment, originate from Bangladesh. The consultation also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Political Consultations between the two countries foreign ministries.
Both Italy and Bangladesh expressed a strong desire to deepen their relations and expand cooperation in various areas, including trade and investment, technological advancements in Bangladesh’s textile sector, defense and security, ICT, agriculture, migration, and mobility.
During the meeting, Italy commended Bangladesh for its humanitarian efforts in hosting Rohingya refugees and pledged continued support for their well-being and their safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar. Furthermore, Italy expressed its willingness to collaborate closely with Bangladesh as an Indo-Pacific partner within the framework of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
This collaborative effort between Italy and Bangladesh reflects a proactive approach toward managing migration and fostering mutually beneficial relations between the two nations. By channeling skilled workers through legal channels, both countries aim to address illegal migration while promoting economic cooperation and shared interests.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
