Bangladesh, UK agree framework to combat organised immigration crime

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have agreed on a new framework to strengthen cooperation against organised immigration crime, including visa and document fraud and criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people through fraudulent migration schemes.

The framework will establish a mechanism for closer cooperation between the two countries to identify, disrupt and address organised immigration crime and other criminal activities linked to irregular migration.

Under the arrangement, Bangladesh and the UK will strengthen information sharing and operational cooperation, hold regular meetings to review progress and discuss cases of mutual interest, according to a press release from the UK High Commission.

The partnership aims to protect Bangladeshi citizens from criminal networks that profit from unsafe and irregular migration routes. It will also support lawful migration and strengthen efforts to combat fraud, exploitation and human trafficking.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said the agreement reflected the two countries’ shared determination to protect their citizens from organised criminal groups that exploit migration for financial gain.

'Through closer cooperation, both countries will work together to address organised immigration crime, support lawful migration, and strengthen efforts to protect individuals and families from fraud, exploitation, and trafficking,' she said.
Cooke said Bangladesh and the UK shared a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual respect and close people-to-people ties.