Bangladesh’s porous border turns routes for human trafficking

A recent release by the UNODC says the extensive and porous borders of Bangladesh have unfortunately become routes for trafficking vulnerable individuals, as highlighted by the findings of the First National Study on Trafficking in Persons.

This troubling reality underscores the urgent need for action. Coupled with a lack of awareness regarding migration laws and prohibitive travel costs, individuals of all genders and ages, particularly women, are at heightened risk of falling prey to cross-border trafficking.

In response to these grave challenges, UNODC has taken a decisive step under the GLO.ACT-Bangladesh project. The focus is on providing vital technical support to the Ministry of Home Affairs to develop a comprehensive Brief Assessment on Responding to Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Bangladesh’s Border and Sea regions.

In February 2024, UNODC experts engaged with 17 representatives from civil administration, the Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, District and Immigration police, Border Guard Bangladesh, and civil society organizations during a mission to Jashore and Cox’s Bazar.

AKM Mukhlesur Rahman, UNODC, National Consultant played a pivotal role in conducting key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus groups discussions (FGDs) during these field mission. Discussions were comprehensive, focusing on the organizational scope and initiatives, prevalent trends and routes of TIP and SOM, and the profiles of victims and perpetrators. Additionally, copies of the First National Study on Trafficking in Persons were shared with field-level officials, enriching the dialogue with valuable data and insights.

The crucial next step in this process involves the validation of the inputs gathered from the field. Data from the headquarters of the respective agencies will be meticulously analyzed to prepare the assessment. The assessment will be instrumental in providing evidence-based recommendations to strengthen responses to these crimes and empowering communities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling more effectively.

As Bangladesh works towards fortifying its borders against exploitation, collaboration remains crucial. Through partnerships with government agencies, civil society, and the international community, the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling continues with renewed vigour.

The Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants – Bangladesh (GLO.ACT – Bangladesh) is a joint initiative by the European Union and UNODC, being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Through targeted, innovative, and demand-driven interventions, the GLO.ACT aims to support the Government of Bangladesh and civil society organizations to more effectively fight the crimes of human trafficking and migrant smuggling across the country.

The project works on developing evidence-based information on trafficking and smuggling patterns and trends, legislative review and harmonization, capability development of criminal justice actors, and international cooperation. The project also provides direct assistance to victims of human trafficking and migrants in vulnerable situations through the strengthening of identification, referral, and protection mechanisms. The project is fully committed to mainstreaming Human Rights and Gender Equality considerations across all of its activities.