Call to take measures to fight human trafficking

Speakers at a meeting have called upon the government to take measures for proper implementation of the existing laws to combat human trafficking.

They also stressed the need for creating public awareness and skilled manpower to increase the outflow of workers through regular channel.

They made the call at a stakeholder advocacy meeting on "Analysis and Application of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012."

Solidarity Centre - Bangladesh Office and SAARCLAW jointly organised the meeting at a city hotel on Saturday.

Lawyers, trade union leaders and migrant rights activists, among others, were present at the programme.

Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Lutfun Kadir made a presentation on 'Explanation of Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012'.

She said due to lack of implementation of the law, the conviction rate under the human trafficking law is still much lower in Bangladesh.

While speaking as a panel discussant, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers' Association president Advocate Fowzia Karim Feroze said investigation into the trafficking cases is not being carried out on time, stipulated in the law.

So, the legal process is getting delayed and sufferings of the victims continue to mount, she added.

Speaking as the chief guest, Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training director general Salim Reza said the government is working actively to stop trafficking in the country.

Referring to the migrants' contribution to the economy, he said they sent over $15 billion remittance last year.

SAARCLAW secretary general Muhammad Mohsin Rashid suggested that the BMET authority should provide training to youths for making them ready for better jobs in Europe.

Solidarity Centre's country programme director Christopher K Johnson, trade union leader Nazma Akter, WARBE Development Foundation director Jasiya Khatoon and BOMSA chairman Lily Jahan and its director Sumaiya Islam also spoke at the meeting.

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