In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation on security and law enforcement, Bangladesh and Italy have reached an agreement to exchange intelligence, conduct joint operations, and strengthen collaboration between their respective law-enforcing agencies.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday, the understanding was achieved during a ministerial-level meeting held in Rome on 16 October 2025. The Bangladeshi delegation was led by Home and Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, while the Italian delegation was headed by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
Strengthening Bilateral Security Cooperation
The discussions marked a new chapter in Dhaka–Rome relations, with both sides agreeing to establish a joint security dialogue to facilitate sustained communication on security, intelligence, and law enforcement matters. The meeting underscored the importance of intelligence sharing and joint operations to manage migration flows and combat transnational threats such as human trafficking and money laundering.
The two delegations also expressed a shared commitment to prevent irregular migration and dismantle human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable populations. Bangladesh and Italy further agreed to form a joint task force to coordinate efforts in combating human trafficking, rehabilitating victims, and expanding opportunities for legal migration.
Focus on Migration Management and Law Enforcement
Italy, one of the principal destinations for Bangladeshi migrant workers in Europe, has faced a rising number of undocumented arrivals in recent years. Against this backdrop, both countries recognised the urgent need for closer collaboration in managing migration and preventing criminal exploitation of migrant routes.
The meeting outlined plans for joint training programmes, technical assistance, and capacity building in key areas such as forensic investigation, asset recovery, and fire incident analysis. Italy offered to provide expertise and training to improve the investigative capabilities of Bangladeshi authorities, particularly in the aftermath of large-scale industrial or accidental fires—a frequent occurrence in the country’s urban and industrial sectors.
Advancing Legal and Investigative Cooperation
In addition to operational collaboration, both governments proposed the signing of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and an extradition agreement to facilitate cooperation in investigating and prosecuting financial crimes and cross-border offences.
Such agreements, once formalised, are expected to strengthen the legal framework necessary for the exchange of evidence, recovery of assets, and repatriation of fugitives. The proposals also align with Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to enhance its institutional capacity against money laundering and financial crimes, which remain major challenges for law enforcement agencies.
A Milestone in Dhaka–Rome Partnership
Both the Bangladeshi and Italian ministers described the meeting as a milestone in bilateral cooperation, setting the stage for a deeper partnership that extends beyond traditional diplomatic engagement.
Bangladesh’s Home Adviser, Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, emphasised Dhaka’s commitment to international collaboration in tackling global security challenges, noting that effective intelligence cooperation with European partners is vital for curbing transnational crime and ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi citizens abroad.
For its part, Italy reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with Bangladesh in law enforcement, migration management, and technical training. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi lauded the growing relationship, highlighting that mutual trust and operational cooperation would serve the shared interests of both nations.
Strategic Implications
This agreement comes at a time when Bangladesh is expanding its security and diplomatic footprint across Europe and Asia. Enhanced cooperation with Italy—one of the European Union’s key states—signals Dhaka’s intention to integrate more deeply with international security frameworks, particularly in areas concerning migration governance, transnational organised crime, and financial regulation.
The formation of a joint task force and the prospective MLAT represent concrete mechanisms that could streamline legal and investigative coordination, ensuring that both countries can effectively respond to shared threats.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh–Italy agreement reflects a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to global security challenges. By combining intelligence sharing, technical cooperation, and joint law enforcement operations, both nations are positioning themselves to better address migration-related crimes, financial misconduct, and other cross-border threats.
The Rome meeting has laid the groundwork for a robust partnership—one that could evolve into a model of cooperation between South Asia and the European Union on issues of migration, law enforcement, and human security.
