Bangladesh Intensifies Border Security to to Curb Human Trafficking

Law enforcement agencies across Bangladesh have significantly intensified border surveillance, intelligence operations and patrolling to combat the rising threat of human trafficking. 

Alongside these enforcement measures, the government has scaled up rehabilitation efforts for the most vulnerable victims, particularly infants and young children.

Superintendent of Police (SP) for Cox’s Bazar, Sajedur Rahman, told the media that police are working strictly under the Human Trafficking Prevention and Suppression Act, 2012. 

"Police are working to prevent human trafficking by strengthening intelligence, increasing patrolling in border areas and raising public awareness," he said. 

He emphasized that while the Teknaf coast and border areas are highly sensitive and "it is not possible for police alone to fully control human trafficking there," the force is working with "maximum sincerity and capability to combat the crime."

Officials noted that traffickers typically lure victims with false promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only to hold them hostage for ransom. 

Victims face devastating physical, psychological, and economic consequences, including slavery, malnutrition and infectious diseases. 

Women who return often face severe social stigma and isolation. SP Rahman highlighted that surveillance on fishing boats has been increased, as these are frequently used to ferry illegal migrants to larger ships at sea.

Supporting these claims, Bangladesh Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Suzan reported that from January to December 2025, the Coast Guard arrested 15 traffickers and rescued 283 victims. 

The momentum has increased this year, with 26 traffickers arrested and 284 victims rescued between January and March alone.

In the capital, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has also been active. 

N M Nasiruddin, Deputy Commissioner of the DMP Media and Public Relations Division, stated that in 2025, the DMP arrested 645 traffickers and filed 168 cases. 

In the first three months of 2026, they have already arrested 36 traffickers and filed 31 cases.

Addressing the root causes, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), noted, "Human trafficking is increasing due to lack of adequate employment and extreme poverty." 

He called for stern punishment for traffickers and a significant increase in the manpower of law enforcement agencies. 

This sentiment was echoed by Rezaul Karim Sohag, Chairman of the Criminology Department at Dhaka University, who stressed that "stern action must be taken against these groups and joint efforts of law enforcement and local communities are essential."

On the humanitarian front, the government is utilizing “Chhotomoni Nibash” centers in Dhaka and other divisions to rehabilitate abandoned children and those rescued from traffickers aged between one day and seven years. 

Jubilee Begum Ranu, Deputy Superintendent of the Azimpur Chhotomoni Nibash, explained that these facilities are operational in Khulna, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Barishal, and Sylhet. 

For older children aged 6 to 18, rehabilitation is provided through government child care institutions in every district, including two specialized centers in Mirpur and Tejgaon.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment continue to coordinate to provide healthcare, legal assistance, and shelter to all rescued victims.