Salahuddin pushes tech-driven border management for security, growth
Photo: PID
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized building a modern, technology-driven integrated border management system to ensure the country’s economic growth and national security.
He said alongside facilitating international travel and trade, the government is establishing a technology-based immigration system to prevent human trafficking, illegal migration, and cross-border crime.
Salahuddin made these remarks as the chief guest in his speech at a briefing titled “IOM Strategic Framework for Immigration and Border Governance in Bangladesh (2027-2031)”, organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at the Meghna Hall of Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka on Wednesday.
The home minister added that alongside ensuring national security in border management, legitimate travel and trade must be kept uninterrupted. To this end, the government is working to implement the National Integrated Border Management Strategy 2026-2031 and the five-year Strategic Reform and Development Outline 2026-2031.
He also informed that priority is being given in this regard to digital technology, the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), paperless administrative operations, and enhancing information sharing among government agencies.
Salahuddin said, “It is necessary to increase the capacity of airports, land ports, and immigration checkpoints. In this regard, the Special Branch (SB) of Bangladesh Police is playing an important role. However, along with increasing the use of technology in border management, human rights and human security must also be ensured.”
He called upon all ministries, departments, and law enforcement agencies to work in a coordinated manner to prevent human trafficking, transnational crime, and illegal migration. He added, “Border management is not the responsibility of any single agency.”
Welcoming the IOM’s proposed strategic outline for the 2027-2031 term at the event, he urged the organization to continue its cooperation in building an international-standard border management system in Bangladesh. He sought technical and financial assistance from development partners.
IOM Bangladesh Head of Mission Laura Tomm Bonde said, “Bangladesh has achieved significant progress in increasing capacity in migration and border management. However, to keep pace with changing situations, skilled workforce, effective management, and further strengthening coordination among relevant agencies are required. IOM is interested in providing technical assistance to implement the government’s priorities.”
Four areas of cooperation have been identified in the IOM’s proposed strategic outline. These are integrated border management, digital systems and information sharing, institutional and professional capacity building, and the development of infrastructure and services at selected border points.
