Irregular entry, false asylum claims harm Bangladesh’s global standing

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro spoke at a seminar in Dhaka on Monday. UNB_11zon

Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro on Monday said Illegal migration affects Bangladesh’s passport ranking and complicates bilateral cooperation, stressing that migration must take place through legal channels.

“Irregular entry into Italy and false asylum claims ultimately harm Bangladesh’s global standing and passport ranking,” he said.

The Italian Ambassador said his country attaches high importance to its relations with Bangladesh, particularly in migration, investment, and cooperation, while calling for stronger institutional reforms and lawful migration to deepen bilateral ties.

He was speaking at a seminar titled “Strengthening Ties: The Future Vision of Bangladesh–Italy Relations” at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).

Ambassador Alessandro said Bangladesh and Italy remain “important partners” in migration and development.

He said around 18,000 Bangladeshis entered Italy illegally through Libya this year, while 9,000 Bangladeshi nationals received legal visas, including 530 students.

The Ambassador said Italy maintains defence cooperation with Bangladesh but “does not sell weapons to any country under the pretext of geopolitical considerations or partnerships.”

He said Bangladesh would decide independently if and when it wishes to purchase defence equipment from Italy.

Ambassador Alessandro expressed optimism that the upcoming general election in February would be free and fair, saying Italy supports Bangladesh’s democratic process.

“We believe reforms will bring stability, ensuring no one feels compelled to seek political asylum abroad,” he said.

Highlighting investment challenges, he pointed to the need for greater credibility of public documents and lower customs duties to attract small and medium-sized Italian companies.

He noted that Bangladesh’s readymade garments are exported to Italy, while industrial machinery is imported from Italy.

He stressed the importance of fair and transparent procedures to build investor confidence and promote mutually beneficial growth.

The Ambassador also mentioned that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to visit Dhaka soon, after postponing her earlier Asian tour due to discussions on the Ukraine war.

BIISS Director General Major General Iftekhar Anis chaired the seminar.

Professor Dr. Syeda Rozana Rashid of Dhaka University and Md. Mosharraf Hossain, Director General (East Europe, CIS, West Europe and EU) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented papers, while Professor Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam moderated the session.

The seminar underscored the growing importance of Bangladesh–Italy relations, highlighting mutual interest in strengthening cooperation across labour migration, economic partnership, defence dialogue, and institutional transparency.

Both sides reiterated their shared vision of advancing a stable, prosperous and inclusive future built on mutual respect and strategic cooperation. - UNB