Special squad being mulled to check human trafficking

Amid the growing menace of human trafficking to some South Asian countries through risky sea routes, the government is preparing a new "work plan" to stop the crime as it may deal a severe blow to Bangladesh's international labour market.

The ministry is planning to create a special squad with members of different law-enforcement agencies to conduct drives against human traffickers on maritime border areas of Cox's Bazar and Chittagong, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain told the news agency.

Voicing the fear that the rising human trafficking incidents may close the door of Bangladeshi labour market to the Middle East and Malaysia, he said.

“The recent incidents will spoil our image and goodwill in the international labour market. Even some countries might stop hiring Bangladeshi workers,” said Mosharraf.

The minister further said the home ministry and the foreign ministry should come forward and work in coordination with his ministry to resolve the crisis.

Replying to a question in this regard, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan said bilateral meetings will be arranged with Myanmar and Thailand to deal with human trafficking.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and The Coast Guard have been directed to apply rigorous strategies as per the new plan to arrest brokers and human traffickers, the home boss added.

In an effort to prevent human trafficking, every fisherman and boatman, who work in the sea, will be given an identity card while each boat will be given a registration number, he added.