Published: 12:35 AM, 31 August 2026
Digital system launched to streamline repatriation of trafficking victims
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday launched the Repatriation Data Management System (RDMS) to streamline and better coordinate the process of bringing Bangladeshis who fall victim to human trafficking and illegal migration back home.
The central digital platform was launched at a programme held at hotel InterContinental Dhaka in the morning, organised by the ministry with technical assistance from Justice and Care Bangladesh, UNB reports.
Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, additional secretary (Political and Immigration) at the Ministry of Home Affairs, presided over the programme.
Special guests included Special Branch chief Additional Inspector General Sardar Nurul Amin, SB Deputy Inspector General Jahangir Hossain and Australian High Commission Counsellor Ruben Grey.
Joint Secretary Rebeka Khan delivered the welcome address, while Justice and Care Bangladesh Country Director Tariqul Islam highlighted the objectives and key features of the RDMS. Speaking at the programme, Ziauddin said the RDMS has already been linked to the National Identity Card (NID) database to preserve comprehensive information on returnees and survivors.
"Work is also underway to integrate the system with birth and death registration and passport services to ensure accurate identification, particularly of children," he said.
The system will centrally store and manage repatriation-related case information, improve coordination among government agencies, speed up nationality and police-record verification, and enhance the accuracy, transparency and traceability of the repatriation process. It will also allow authorities to access case information more quickly, monitor progress in real time and generate reports, officials said.
The initiative is expected to address delays in repatriation caused by the involvement of multiple agencies and the need to complete various steps, including nationality verification, police-record checks, preparation of documents and communication with authorities of the countries concerned.
The RDMS will enable Bangladeshi missions abroad and other relevant agencies to submit and process repatriation requests in a more structured and coordinated manner, while facilitating the exchange of information required for nationality verification.
The system also provides for secure storage and management of personal and sensitive information, officials said.
The RDMS was developed by the home ministry with technical assistance from Justice and Care Bangladesh, while the Australian government supported its development and upgrading.
Representatives from the embassies and high commissions of several countries, including the United States, India and Thailand, as well as officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies, attended the programme.
