Bangladesh, Australia agree to boost intelligence sharing to combat human trafficking
The two sides discussed irregular migration, human trafficking, the Rohingya crisis, overseas employment, maritime security and other bilateral issues.
Bangladesh and Australia have agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing under the Bali Process to combat irregular migration and human trafficking, while expediting the implementation of decisions adopted at the Bangladesh-Australia Joint Working Group meeting held in June.
The agreement came during a meeting between Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Australia's Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill MP at the Secretariat today (3 August), according to a home ministry press release.
The two sides discussed irregular migration, human trafficking, the Rohingya crisis, overseas employment, maritime security and other bilateral issues.
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During the meeting, Salahuddin said Bangladesh had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to irregular migration and recently enacted the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026. He stressed the importance of closer cooperation and intelligence sharing to implement the Bali Process framework.
He also said both countries had agreed to swiftly implement the outcomes of the Bangladesh-Australia Joint Working Group meeting, held in Australia from 14 to 18 June, covering regular migration, maritime security and regional efforts to prevent human trafficking.
Julian welcomed Bangladesh's new anti-human trafficking law and offered Australia's technical and coordinated support for its implementation. He said an effective and timely repatriation process for irregular migrants is essential to ensuring orderly migration.
The Rohingya crisis also featured in the discussions. Salahuddin said the safe and voluntary repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMNs) remains the only sustainable solution, adding that it is crucial not only for Bangladesh but for regional security. He called on Australia to continue raising the issue on the international stage.
Describing Australia as one of Bangladesh's long-standing development and strategic partners, the minister said bilateral ties would continue to deepen based on mutual respect and shared regional security interests.
Julian said people-to-people ties form the foundation of the Bangladesh-Australia relationship and reaffirmed Australia's commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Bangladesh.
