Bangladesh and the United Kingdom have agreed to a new framework to strengthen cooperation against organised immigration crime and protect citizens from criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people through fraudulent migration schemes.

The framework, announced in Dhaka on October 8, establishes a cooperation mechanism between the two countries and is intended to support closer collaboration on identifying, disrupting and addressing organised immigration crime, including document and visa fraud among other criminal activity linked to irregular migration.

Under the agreement, both countries will enhance information sharing and operational cooperation, meet regularly to review progress and discuss cases of mutual interest.

The partnership reflects the longstanding and close relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom and their shared commitment to protecting Bangladeshi citizens from exploitation by networks that profit from unsafe and irregular migration routes, according to the announcement.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said: “Bangladesh and the United Kingdom enjoy a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual respect and close people-to-people ties. This agreement demonstrates our shared determination to protect citizens from organised criminal groups that seek to exploit migration for financial gain.”

She said both countries would work together through closer cooperation to address organised immigration crime, support lawful migration, and strengthen efforts to protect individuals and families from fraud, exploitation and trafficking.