Islamic Foundation Bangladesh (IFB) Director General Md. Abdus Salam Khan has called on imams and Islamic scholars from nearly 500,000 mosques across the country to raise awareness about safe migration during their khutbahs (sermons).
Speaking as the chief guest at a workshop held at the Islamic Foundation office on Wednesday, he emphasized that safe migration is critically important for Bangladesh and that religious leaders can play a key role in protecting people from human trafficking and irregular migration.
"Safe migration is extremely important for Bangladesh. We must ensure that people do not fall victim to trafficking," he said. "There are nearly 500,000 mosques across the country, and imams and Islamic scholars can discuss safe migration in their khutbahs to raise awareness among the public."
BRAC Migration Programme under the project titled "Mass Campaign to Combat Human Trafficking and People Smuggling," organized the workshop funded by Australian Government. Mosque leaders and religious representatives attended the programme. Sharing a personal observation, Salam Khan noted that many people from his hometown of Madaripur aspire to migrate to countries such as Italy, often through unsafe routes. "Many individuals choose irregular pathways instead of legal channels. Awareness about these risks is essential, and imams and religious scholars can take a leading role in educating people," he added.
In the keynote, Shariful Hasan, Associate Director of BRAC, said that around one million Bangladeshis migrate abroad legally each year for employment. However, many others attempt to reach foreign countries through dangerous sea routes, frequently falling victim to exploitation, abuse, or even death. "It is crucial to stop human trafficking. We are working through various awareness initiatives where imams and religious scholars can serve as a powerful force in informing communities," Hasan said.
Sajjad Hossain delivered welcome speech while other speakers included Sheikh Murshidul Islam, Secretary of Islamic Foundation; Md. Mohiuddin, Director of the Coordination Division; Anisuzzaman Shikdar, Director of the Translation and Compilation Department; and Mohammad Harunur Rashid, Director of the Religious Outreach and Culture Division.
