EU commits 20 million euros for migration, reintegration management in Bangladesh

EU commits 20m euros for migration, reintegration management in Bangladesh

The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh organised a ceremony to mark the signing of the two grant contracts worth 20 million euros.

These are under “PROTTASHA II – Sustainable reintegration of Bangladeshi returnees and improved migration governance” project.

The signing ceremony represents a significant milestone in the EU’s mutual efforts to foster collaboration with the government in the area of migration governance and support for returnees, in partnership with IOM and Brac.

Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, senior eecretary, Ministry of Expatriate’s Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Muhammad Shafiul Azam, director (west Europe and EU wing), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the event as special guests.

They highlighted the importance of the constant EU assistance to Bangladesh, in particular to promote safe migration. Both thanked the European Union for its continued support to the government of Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of return and reintegration.

The EU Head of Delegation Ambassador Charles Whiteley said the European Union firmly believes in the principles of human rights, dignity, and solidarity.

“It recognises that migration should be a choice and not a necessity driven by desperation. Our commitment to supporting the Government of Bangladesh in ensuring safe, orderly, and well-managed migration has never been stronger,” he said.

IOM Chief of Mission Abdusattor Esoev said, “In the context of IOM Bangladesh’s long-standing relationship with the European Union, we are very pleased to take this partnership to the next level through the Prottasha II project. This project not only builds on the flagship reintegration initiatives implemented through the Prottasha I project but also furthers the EU and IOM’s pioneering approach towards sustainable reintegration in Bangladesh by ensuring that the integrated approach to reintegration is truly owned by the Government of Bangladesh and local actors. The project will work to contribute to transformative changes in the policy and service delivery systems in Bangladesh to support safe and dignified migration, return, and sustainable reintegration in the years to come.”

Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh said, “Brac is committed to working with the government of Bangladesh and development partners to ensure people can migrate safely, but also that they can access social, economic and personal development opportunities when they return. Safe migration and sustainable reintegration directly contribute to improving people’s lives, as well as supporting Bangladesh’s economic growth. The work done by the government, the EU and partners in Prottasha I in ensuring timely and holistic access to services and improving migration governance returned real impact for returnee migrants and their communities.”

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