The government of Bangladesh convicted fewer human traffickers and failed to take adequate measures to combat widespread internal trafficking crimes, according to the latest report released by the United States on October 8.

The document noted that while Bangladesh does not fully satisfy the minimum standards required for the total elimination of human trafficking, it continues to demonstrate significant efforts toward that goal.

Because the government displayed overall increased initiatives compared to the prior reporting timeframe, Bangladesh maintained its placement on Tier 2.

Positive steps highlighted in the report included the enactment of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Ordinance 2026 to reinforce the national legal framework against trafficking, a rise in both investigations and prosecutions, the updating of official human trafficking crime and victim identification guidelines and the piloting of a digital National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to accelerate and better coordinate protection service referrals.

Furthermore, the authorities reinforced protections for overseas migrant workers to mitigate their vulnerability to trafficking.

Despite these advancements, the government failed to fulfill minimum standards across several critical areas.

Authorities identified a reduced number of victims while victim protection and reintegration services remained deficient, especially concerning Rohingya refugees and returning Bangladeshi migrant workers.

Additionally, official policies continued to allow worker-paid recruitment fees, which frequently left migrant workers saddled with heavy debts and heightened their susceptibility to trafficking schemes.

Commenting on the publication, US Department of State Spokesman Thomas Tommy Pigott stated that human trafficking represents a direct assault on the fundamental values of freedom and dignity cherished by America.

He noted that the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report exposes new methods utilized by criminal networks and repressive regimes to exploit this abhorrent practice for financial profit.

The report further demanded accountability for governments that neglect to prosecute traffickers and safeguard their populations.

The Spokesman emphasized that the Trump Administration will employ all available instruments to combat human traffickers along with their accomplices and hold them accountable under the law.

With Inputs from UNB