New anti-trafficking law strengthens action against smugglers 

 
A day-long workshop aimed at sensitising media professionals to the prevention of human trafficking and migrant smuggling was held in the capital on Thursday, with officials highlighting tougher legal measures under the newly enacted law.

The workshop, titled "Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Act, 2026", was organised by the Home Ministry with support from Justice and Care at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka, according to a ministry press release.

Speaking as chief guest, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Manzur Morshed Chowdhury said the law was enacted in line with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and its Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) protocols.

He said Bangladesh remains committed to combating human trafficking and irregular migration through laws aligned with international standards, describing the crimes as major global challenges.

The home secretary said the new law places equal emphasis on strict action against traffickers and protection of victims' rights. He added that online fraud, scamming and ransom-related exploitation have also been brought under the law's scope.

Highlighting the importance of public awareness, he stressed the media's role in preventing trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Officials at the workshop said the law enhances investigative powers by allowing authorities to freeze bank accounts, seize properties and conduct trials in absentia. Passport and visa forgery linked to migrant smuggling has also been made punishable.

Investigators will be able to use powers under the Money Laundering Prevention Act-2012 to verify the assets and income of suspected traffickers. Tribunals may also simultaneously try related offences, including assault, drug trafficking and sexual violence.

The revised law, officials said, clearly separates human trafficking and migrant smuggling as distinct crimes under a single legal framework for the first time in line with UN protocols.

The law introduces tougher penalties, including three to seven years' imprisonment and fines for aiding traffickers, online migration fraud and concealment of documents. Offences involving sexual exploitation may carry prison terms of three to 10 years.

Victim and witness protection measures have also been strengthened. Victims forced to carry forged passports or enter countries illegally will not be treated as accused persons.

Additional Secretary Dr Ziauddin Ahmed presided over the programme, while Joint Secretary Rebeka Khan attended as special guest. Justice and Care Country Director Tariqul Islam presented the keynote paper.

A total of 48 representatives from leading print and electronic media outlets attended the workshop. Speakers expressed hope that proper implementation and wider publicity of the law would help curb irregular migration and dismantle trafficking networks.