Bangladesh reinforces legal front against human trafficking: Home Adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering resolve to combat human trafficking, emphasizing both legal reform and cross-border cooperation as the country strengthens its fight against the crime.

Speaking at the third meeting of BIMSTEC Sub-Group on Combating Human Trafficking, held Sunday at Surma Hall of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, the Adviser outlined key national efforts and called for enhanced regional collaboration.

“Bangladesh has built a robust legal framework to ensure traffickers are held accountable. We are also taking proactive steps to secure our borders and support victims,” Jahangir said.

Among the initiatives he highlighted were the adoption of a comprehensive national action plan, the establishment of a dedicated tribunal to expedite human trafficking cases, and the launch of a web-based national referral mechanism to identify victims, assess their needs, and connect them to appropriate services.

He also noted the integration of widespread public awareness campaigns into the anti-trafficking strategy, acknowledging that prevention begins with informed communities.

Jahangir stressed the growing threat posed by traffickers who continually evolve their methods, exploiting vulnerabilities and misusing technology. “A united, strategic response is essential to dismantle trafficking networks,” he said, calling for deeper cooperation among BIMSTEC nations.

He praised the regional bloc for steps already taken and hoped the meeting would serve as a platform for sharing best practices and success stories. He also extended gratitude for the trust placed in Bangladesh to chair BIMSTEC for the next two years.

“Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is deeply committed to guiding BIMSTEC with an inclusive and visionary approach. Under his leadership, the region is poised for greater unity and progress,” Jahangir added.

Additional Secretary Khandker Md Mahbubur Rahman, Chair of the BIMSTEC Sub-Group meeting, opened the session with a call for unified action against trafficking, while BIMSTEC Secretariat Director Prasanth Chandran delivered a message of goodwill.

Delegates from all seven member states—Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan—took part in the discussions, underscoring the collective commitment to eradicating human trafficking across the Bay of Bengal region.