Bangladesh-Australia SOP a milestone in combating human trafficking: Home Advisor

Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has described the signing of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Bangladesh and Australia as a milestone in preventing human trafficking and illegal migration.

The agreement, titled Standard Operating Procedure for the Return of Bangladesh Citizens to Bangladesh, was signed at the home ministry on Monday.

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam signed the SOP on behalf of Bangladesh, while Mark Whitechurch, deputy commander of Australia’s Joint Agency Task Force, signed for his country.

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani were present at the event, according to bdnews24.com.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jahangir said: “This SOP signing will be a milestone in preventing human trafficking and illegal migration.”

He expressed concern that illegal migration and human trafficking pose serious global challenges, endangering safe, orderly, and legal migration policies.

“This not only puts countless lives at risk but also threatens skilled-based and lawful migration. The Bangladesh government is committed to establishing a secure and regulated migration system in compliance with national and international laws,” he said.

Highlighting the broad scope of cooperation between Bangladesh and Australia, the advisor said: “Our partnership spans trade, development, and technological collaboration. Bangladesh has a diverse workforce, from highly skilled professionals to semi-skilled and unskilled workers, who can contribute significantly to Australia’s labour market.”

He also stressed the need for a comprehensive and coordinated regional approach to tackling illegal migration and human trafficking.

The advisor proposed the establishment of an inclusive and cooperative framework extending to key transit countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

AUSTRALIA TO PROCESS VISAS AFTER EID

Until now, Bangladeshis applying for Australian visas had their applications processed via India’s New Delhi.

However, this system is set to change, according to Senior Secretary Nasimul.

Speaking to journalists after the SOP signing, he said: “Previously, visas were processed outside Bangladesh, in New Delhi. This time, it will be done in our country. We expect it to start very soon, after Eid.”

On law and order, the secretary said the situation remains normal.

“Ongoing police operations in the capital are being monitored by senior officials,” he added.