Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the new legislation will play a critical role in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling, while also addressing the misuse of digital platforms and technology by organized criminal syndicates.
He made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a national briefing meeting on the "Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026," held at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on Wednesday morning (July 15).
Strengthening Institutional Capability
The Home Minister emphasized that the government has upgraded its legal and institutional capabilities to match international standards, keeping pace with the ever-evolving strategies of criminal networks. He reaffirmed the Bangladesh government’s firm commitment to combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling through robust laws, effective institutional coordination, and a victim-centric criminal justice system.
"The newly enacted Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026 is a significant milestone in Bangladesh's efforts to combat these grave transnational crimes," he said. He added that close cooperation between government institutions, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, development partners, and civil society is essential for the successful implementation of the law.
Key Provisions of the New Law
Minister Salahuddin Ahmed outlined how the new legislation enhances the national framework:
Clear Definitions: Distinctly defines human trafficking and migrant smuggling as separate offenses.
Integrated Legal Framework: Establishes a unified structure for the suppression and prosecution of migrant smuggling.
Enhanced Authority: Strengthens the capacity for investigation and judicial proceedings.
Victim Protection: Provides stronger safeguards for victims and witnesses.
International Cooperation: Expands opportunities for international collaboration in line with global standards.
Collaborative Effort
The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Justice and Care Bangladesh to strengthen the nation's commitment through a modern legal framework. The briefing provided a vital opportunity for stakeholders—including police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, CID, NSI, and members of the judiciary—to develop a common understanding of the law and discuss priorities for its implementation.
Mohammad Tariqul Islam, Country Director of Justice and Care Bangladesh, presented the background and core provisions of the act, followed by a high-level discussion on inter-agency coordination.
The meeting was chaired by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Monzur Morshed Chowdhury. Notable attendees included:
- Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary.
- Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
- Brent T. Christensen, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh.
- Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, Inspector General of Police.
- Rear Admiral Md. Ziaul Hoque, Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.
- Major General Md. Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of the BGB.
- Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The event saw active participation from senior representatives of diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, international organizations, and various civil society groups.
