Raisa Tasnim Mahin
Human trafficking casts a dark shadow over Bangladesh, affecting countless lives each year. As both a source and transit point for trafficking victims, the nation struggles with various forms of exploitation driven by poverty, lack of education, and systemic corruption. Bangladesh serves as a significant hub for human trafficking, linking South Asia to the Gulf region. Thousands of people are trafficked out of Bangladesh annually, with women and children being the most vulnerable groups. Approximately 400 women and children are trafficked out of Bangladesh each month, making human trafficking one of the most lucrative illegal enterprises in the country due to high profits and low penalties. Over the past 30 years, more than 1 million children and women have been trafficked out of Bangladesh. UNICEF reported that around 400 women and children are trafficked each month. In the last decade, approximately 300,000 women and children aged 12 to 30 were trafficked to India, while Pakistan-based reports indicate around 200,000 Bangladeshi women and girls were trafficked to Pakistan. Traffickers use major routes from Dhaka to Mumbai (India), Karachi (Pakistan), and then Dubai, as well as 20 transit points in 16 districts to smuggle people from Bangladesh to India and newly discovered water routes to Southeast Asian countries. Significantly, the finding of mass graves containing trafficking victims in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia has forced the public consciousness to consider the practice of “modern-slavery” that is represented by trafficking.
According to a UNHCR report, 150,000 people were trafficked by boats and ships through the Bay of Bengal in the last 18 months. In the first three months of 2015, approximately 25,000 people were trafficked using points like Teknaf, Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar Sadar, and Maheshkhali[1].
Forms of Trafficking
Labor trafficking predominantly affects men, who are coerced into forced labor in the Gulf States, Malaysia, and India. These individuals endure grueling conditions in sectors such as construction and domestic service, often receiving little or no pay. Meanwhile, women and girls are particularly susceptible to sex trafficking, both within Bangladesh and abroad. Lured by false promises of employment or marriage, they find themselves trapped in the sex trade. Children are not spared; they are trafficked for forced labor, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. Street children and those from impoverished backgrounds are especially vulnerable.
Causes
The root causes of trafficking in Bangladesh are manifold. Extreme poverty and scarce employment opportunities compel many to seek work abroad, making them easy prey for traffickers. Limited access to education and awareness leaves many unaware of the dangers they face. Corruption among law enforcement and border officials facilitates the unchecked movement of traffickers and victims. Additionally, natural calamities such as cyclones and floods displace many, heightening their susceptibility to trafficking.
Initiatives for preventing human trafficking
Efforts to combat human trafficking in Bangladesh involve both government initiatives and NGO activities. Bangladesh has enacted comprehensive laws, such as the Human Trafficking Deterrence and Suppression Act of 2012. For example, On July 7, 2015, 74 women were repatriated to Bangladesh and handed over to BGB and Immigration police officers. Human rights organizations and the Bangladesh Women Lawyer Association were involved in their repatriation However, enforcement remains weak due to inadequate resources and pervasive corruption. In June 2015, the Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued 116 people from the Bay of Bengal, with most being aged 16 to 25.
Despite these efforts, significant obstacles remain. The Bangladeshi government enacted the Human Trafficking (Deterrence and Suppression) Act in 2012 and the Overseas Employment and Migration Act in 2013 to align with international standards and protect trafficking victims. However, essential rules and the required “Human Trafficking Prevention Fund” under Section 42 of the 2012 Act have not been established. This fund is crucial for supporting victims and aiding local administration in rescue and repatriation efforts. Between June 2004 and April 2015, 2,501 human trafficking cases were filed, but only 688 were resolved. Additionally, the Anti-human Trafficking Offence Tribunal, mandated by Section 21(1) of the 2012 Act for swift trials, has yet to be set up. NGOs play a critical role in prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of trafficking victims, offering shelter, legal aid, and vocational training. The effective implementation of anti-trafficking laws is hampered by limited resources, training deficiencies, and entrenched corruption. Providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation for victims is challenging, with many facing stigma and limited opportunities for reintegration. The lack of comprehensive data on trafficking incidents hinders the development of targeted interventions and policies. Addressing cross-border trafficking necessitates robust regional cooperation, often stymied by political and logistical barriers.[2] The extensive evidence highlights the severe magnitude of human trafficking in Bangladesh, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions and support systems to combat this pervasive crime. By addressing the root causes, supporting victims, and fostering regional collaboration, significant strides can be made in combating this pervasive crime. Together, we can work towards a future where no one falls victim to human trafficking.
[1] https://fairbd.net/human-trafficking-in-bangladesh-an-overview/
[2] https://www.thedailystar.net/law-our-rights/combat-human-trafficking-97543