Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed met with Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro at his office in the Home Ministry today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 21, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that Bangladesh places special importance to its relationship with Italy, describing it as one of the country's most significant development partners in the European Union. 

He highlighted that the two nations share broad areas of cooperation, particularly in ensuring safe migration and expanding economic collaboration.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting with Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro at the Home Ministry in Dhaka today.

Salahuddin noted that Bangladeshis living in Italy are contributing significantly to the country's economy through remittances, further strengthening bilateral ties. 

He reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to maintaining and deepening relations with Italy in the near future.

Ambassador Alessandro expressed Italy's interest in sustaining and expanding bilateral cooperation.

He stressed that the Italian government is committed to promoting safe migration and preventing illegal migration, which remains a top priority.

The envoy also announced that a new migration policy will come into effect in Italy from June, aimed at ensuring safer migration pathways and expediting the repatriation process for irregular migrants.

The ambassador further mentioned that the Joint Working Group on safe migration, labour market cooperation, and skilled workforce mobility between the two countries held its last meeting in Bangladesh in July last year, with the next session scheduled to take place in Italy.

During the meeting, the ambassador handed over a congratulatory letter from Italy's Interior Minister and extended an invitation to the Bangladeshi Home Minister to visit Italy.

Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that he plans to undertake the visit at a mutually convenient time this year.

Officials from both sides also discussed issues related to law enforcement, security cooperation, safe migration, economic collaboration and enhancing trade and investment between the two countries.

Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Political), Rebeka Khan, Joint Secretary (Political-1) and Begum Minara Nazmin, Deputy Secretary (Political-1), among others, were present at the meeting.