UsaNewsOnline.Com, New York : The Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York observed International Migrants Day on 24 January at the Auditorium of the Consulate General. As part of the programme, a discussion meeting was held in which the discussants highlighted on the various aspects of the Day. Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan,ndc, Consul General  presided over the event. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UN, New York, Mr. Vinícius Carvalho Pinheiro, Special Representative to the UN and Director ILO Office for the United Nations, New York, Mr. Zak Bleicher, Partnership Officer and Head, NY Liaison Office, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), IFAD Liaison Office, New York, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Awami League US Chapter and community leaders spoke at the occasion.In his welcome remarks, the Consul General highlighted on the role of the migrants of Bangladesh and touched on the various measures taken by the Government for safe migration of the Bangladesh nationals. H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, in his speech, described the importance of the Day. While terming remittance as a key driver of development, he narrated the multiple benefits of migration. He stressed on the need to view the rights of migrants as rights of human rights. Ambassador Momen underscored on strengthening socio-cultural integration in the context of migration. Mr. Jack highlighted on the role of remittance in harnessing development. He praised the role of digital money transfer which helps to bring down the costs significantly while informing that IFAD has started to celebrate the World Remittance Day in the month of June to increase awareness. Mr. Pinhero referred back to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and particularly focused on labor migration. He called for the member states to comply with ILO standards of labor and relevant conventions that deal with labor migration.Members of the community, representatives of various social and immigrant organizations, members of media, Officers and Officials of the Consulate and the Permanent Mission, among others, were in attendance. 

The guests were served with traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.