Modern, Technology-Based Border Management Is Essential for National Security: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad has said that a modern, integrated and technology-based secure border management system plays an essential role in consolidating national security alongside achieving the country’s economic growth. He made the remarks as chief guest at a briefing programme organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at the Meghna Hall of Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka on Wednesday (November 4).

The event was titled “IOM Strategic Framework on Immigration and Border Governance in Bangladesh (2027–2031)”. The minister said Bangladesh is today more connected with the outside world than at any time before in the global context. In this situation, he said, the government is working continuously to build a technology-driven, international-standard immigration system to meet cross-border risks while making international travel and trade easier.

The minister said that alongside ensuring national security in border operations, legitimate travel and trade must be kept dynamic. Referring to the government’s National Integrated Border Management Strategy 2026–2031 and the five-year Strategic Reform and Development Framework 2026–2031, he said digital transformation, responsible use of artificial intelligence, paperless administrative activities and increasing interoperability among government services are the current government’s main priorities.

Noting the important role of the Special Branch of Bangladesh Police in the immigration system, the minister said the operational capacity of the country’s airports, land ports and immigration checkpoints must be increased manifold through a combination of policy and modern technology. At the same time, he stressed raising border management to professional standards that are sensitive to human rights and protection, rather than making it technology-dependent alone.

Emphasising inter-ministerial coordination to prevent transnational crime, human trafficking and irregular migration, the home minister said border management is not the responsibility of any single agency. It requires the joint efforts of all relevant ministries, departments and law enforcement agencies.

At the programme, the home minister welcomed the IOM’s proposed strategic framework for 2027–2031 and called on the organisation to continue its support in building an international-standard border structure in Bangladesh. He also requested development partner organisations to increase technical and financial cooperation, saying international investment would not only secure Bangladesh’s borders but also contribute significantly to regional stability and safe globalisation.

At the briefing, IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Dr Laura Tom Bonde said Bangladesh has already achieved notable progress in building capacity in immigration and border management. As travel patterns and operational needs change, the need for effective systems, skilled manpower and better coordination among the agencies concerned will grow. She said the IOM is keen to cooperate in implementing the government’s priorities through technical expertise and partnership.

Among those present at the programme were Additional Secretary of the Home Ministry’s Political and External Division Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 wing Rebeka Khan, Additional Inspector General of the Police Special Branch Md Kamrul Ahsan and Deputy Inspector General Md Moazzem Hossain. The Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ajit Singh, the Italian Ambassador, Antonio Alessandro, and representatives of various partner organisations also took part in the discussion.

The discussion exchanged views on ways to tackle challenges such as human trafficking, cross-border crime and identity fraud, alongside facilitating legitimate travel and trade.

Notably, the strategic framework identifies four possible areas of cooperation: integrated border management; digital systems and information exchange; institutional and professional capacity building; and infrastructure and service development at selected border points. The government’s five-year Strategic Reform and Development Framework (July 2026–June 2031) was also taken into consideration in preparing the framework.