On 19-23 July 2026, the European Union Migration and Displacement Capacity Assistance Project (EU-MIDCAP) launched its Bangladesh Action (2026-01) in Dhaka, in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Special Branch of the Immigration Police of Bangladesh. The activity marked the start of EU-MIDCAP support to strengthen the country’s integrated border management (IBM) capacity in line with international standards.
The European Union Migration and Displacement Capacity Assistance Project (EU-MIDCAP) launched its Action to strengthen Bangladesh’s capacity for effective, coordinated and secure border management in line with international standards. The first onsite activity in Dhaka, Bangladesh took place on 19-23 July 2026 in close partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the Special Branch of the Immigration Police. This activity marks the start of EU-MIDCAP support in Bangladesh.
EU-MIDCAP is funded by the European Union (DG INTPA) and co-implemented by a Consortium led by ICMPD together with UNHCR, UNICEF, and the authorities of Belgium (through Enabel), Czechia, Poland, Spain and Sweden. The Bangladesh Action (2026-01), reflects EU-MIDCAP’s demand-driven and tailor-made approach, supporting partner authorities in strengthening migration governance systems.
Over five days, national border management authorities including the Special Branch (Immigration Police), the Department of Immigration and Passports, Border Guard Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Coast Guard as well as the EU Delegation together with the EU-MIDCAP experts and the team, gathered to conduct a structured three-pillar technical review of Bangladesh's IBM framework and to technically validate the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Second Line of Border Control of the Immigration Police at International Airports in Bangladesh. Through bilateral technical meetings, on-site visits to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport including the Terminal 3 (to become operational in the course of 2027) and a validation workshop, participants shared expertise, assessed the current state of border management operations, and agreed on targeted adjustments to the SOPs, ensuring a comprehensive and participatory assessment process.
The discussions reflected strong ownership by the requesting authorities and active engagement from all stakeholders involved including the EUD and EU Member State diplomatic representations, highlighting the relevance and impact of coordinated efforts to strengthen border management procedures, document security capacity and the institutional foundations for future API and PNR system implementation. The mission also set the stage for upcoming activities, contributing to a strengthened and enhanced IBM framework in Bangladesh. The current Action aims at laying the groundwork for a potential IBM Phase II in 2027.