Salahuddin stresses tech-driven border management for security

The government is working to establish a modern, technology-driven immigration system to strengthen border security, facilitate legal travel and trade, and prevent cross-border crimes, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday.

He said the growing movement of people and goods across international borders has made it necessary to develop an integrated immigration system that meets international standards.

“Modern, integrated and technology-driven border management is essential for strengthening national security and promoting economic growth,” the minister said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a briefing on the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Strategic Framework for Immigration and Border Governance in Bangladesh (2027�"2031).

The event was held at the Meghna Hall of Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka and organised by the IOM.

The minister said Bangladesh was now more connected to the outside world than ever before. The government was therefore working to build an immigration system that would make international travel and trade easier while addressing risks associated with cross-border movement.

He said the government's priorities included digital transformation, the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), paperless administrative processes and better coordination among government agencies.

Referring to the role of the Special Branch (SB) of Bangladesh Police in immigration management, Salahuddin stressed the need to strengthen the operational capacity of airports, land ports and immigration checkpoints through modern technology.

He said border management should not be limited to the use of technology. It must also ensure human rights, the protection of travellers and high professional standards.

The minister stressed that effective border management required coordination among all relevant ministries, government departments and law enforcement agencies.

No single agency could manage the country's borders alone, he said, adding that coordinated efforts were necessary to prevent human trafficking, illegal migration and other cross-border crimes.

Salahuddin welcomed the IOM's proposed strategic framework for 2027�"2031 and called on the organisation to continue providing technical support to develop an international-standard border management system in Bangladesh.