Across Bangladesh, the International Migrants Day and National Expatriates Day 2025 were jointly observed with due significance. Young Power in Social Action (YPSA)—one of the country’s pioneering organizations working on safe migration and counter-human trafficking for more than two decades—marked the occasion in collaboration and solidarity with the Government of Bangladesh.
The day was observed under the global theme “My Great Story: Cultures and Development,” emphasizing the positive role of migration in fostering cultural exchange, strengthening communities, and contributing to sustainable development and economic growth.
In Cox’s Bazar, the observance was organized in a befitting and participatory manner under the leadership of the District Administration and the District Employment and Manpower Office (DEMO). A range of activities were conducted, including a rally, a discussion meeting, information stalls providing migration-related guidance, and a puppet show to raise awareness. As a key non-government stakeholder, YPSA actively collaborated with the district administration in organizing and implementing all activities throughout the day.
The discussion meeting was presided over by Mr. M. A. Mannan, Deputy Commissioner and Learned District Magistrate of Cox’s Bazar. Dignitaries from different government departments and non-government agencies including District Employment and Manpower and Employment Office, law enforcement agencies, journalists, Technical Training Center (TTC), UN, NGOs, Banks participated in the program. Besides, returned migrant workers and family members of the migrants, aspirant migrants, trafficking survivors and general people spontaneously attended the program. From YPSA, Mr. Jishu Barua, Assistant Director and Counter Trafficking Focal, Ms. Hosne Ara Rekha, Project Manager of YPSA FSTIP Project, Mr. Suvra Adhikari, and Mr. Tanim Rahman Mitu, Project Officer, Mr. Yousuf Ali, District Coordinator, and other officials attended the program.
While addressing in the discussion meeting, Mr. Mannan, DC, Cox’s Bazar stated, “Migrant workers are our informal ambassadors of Bangladesh in the countries where they live and work. Through their dedication and hard work, they earn foreign currency and contribute significantly to the national economy. Their contributions deserve recognition and honor.”
During the award-giving ceremony, YPSA was formally recognized for its long-standing and impactful contributions to safe migration promotion and counter-trafficking efforts in Cox’s Bazar. As a token of appreciation, the District Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar handed over a crest to Mr. Jishu Barua, Assistant Director and Counter Trafficking Focal Person of YPSA, on behalf of Young Power in Social Action (YPSA).
