Bangladesh on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to combatting human trafficking, recognising it as a grave violation of human rights and a serious form of organised crime.
To mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Technical Working Group (CTiP TWG) of the Bangladesh United Nations Network on Migration (BDUNNM), hosted a high-level event in the city under the global theme: “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation.”
Delivering the keynote address, Additional Home Secretary (Political & ICT) Khondakar Md Mahabubur Rahman said Bangladesh remains committed to eliminating trafficking in persons through strengthened legislation, enhanced institutional capacity, and deeper regional and international cooperation.
“Protecting victims and ensuring justice must remain central to our efforts,” he said.
Echoing this call, special guests representing key international partners shared their perspectives and reaffirmed their support.
Chargé d’Affaires of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Dr Bernd Spanier said human trafficking is one of the most severe violations of human rights and it is a global crime.
“Combatting irregular migration and trafficking in persons is a priority for Europe and promoting safe, legal and dignified labour migration to Europe is our objective. In our efforts, we are guided by the EU Anti-trafficking strategy, which focuses on reducing demand, breaking the traffickers' business model and provide support to survivors - especially women and children,” he said.
The EU diplomat said with every person not trafficked, one more victim is protected, and one more life is restored.
Deputy Country Director, KOICA Sujin Kong said human trafficking remains one of the most severe human rights challenges of our time, stripping individuals of their freedom, safety, and dignity.
“KOICA remains committed to supporting Bangladesh and our partners in building a society where every person can live in freedom, safety, and dignity.”
Representing the United Nations system, acting UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Chief of Mission of IOM, and Coordinator of the BDUNNM Lance Bonneau said they must work together — governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and communities — to identify and dismantle trafficking syndicates, disrupt their finances, and most importantly, rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate survivors.
Other speakers included senior representatives from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and senior officials from the Bangladesh Police, including the Criminal Investigation Department, Special Branch, and Police Headquarters, who reiterated law enforcement’s role in addressing trafficking as an organized crime.
The event also featured technical presentations by the Ministry of Home Affairs and CTiP TWG, which provided insights into emerging trafficking trends and national response strategies.
A powerful survivor testimonial - Voice of the Victim - served as a poignant reminder of the human impact of trafficking and the importance of survivor-centred, trauma-informed approaches.
A cultural performance and awareness segment concluded the programme, reinforcing key campaign messages for a broader audience.
