Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Country Report, 201 3

Combating Human Trafficking

Ministry of H ome Affairs

Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh
 CONTENTS

NO. DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

A Foreword i

B Abbreviations and Acronyms ii

1 Introduction 1

Progress Summary of Law Enforcing Agencies January -

2 3
December 2013

3 Legal Framework, National Policies 4

Initiatives and Measures of Government Ministries and

4 9
Departments to Combat Human Trafficking

4.1 Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) 9

Task Force on Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and

4.1.1 10
Integration (RRRI) of victims of Human Trafficking

4.1.2 Bangladesh Police 13

4.1.3 Bangladesh Police Special Branch, Immigration Wing 15

4.1.4 Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) 16

4.1.5 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) 17

4.1.6 Coast Guard 18

4.1.7 Anser & VDP 19

4.2 National Security of Intelligence (NSI) 20

4.3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) 20

Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas

4.4 24
Employment (MEWOE)

4.5 Ministry of Women and Children Affairs 26

4.6 Ministry of Social Welfare 27

4.7 Ministry of Information 28

4.8 Ministry of Religious Affairs 30

4.9 Ministry of Primary and Mass Education 31

5 NGO Activities to Combat Human Trafficking 32

5.1 Association for Community Development (ACD) 32

5.2 Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association 33

5.3 Centre for Women and Children Studies 37

5.4 Dhaka Ahsania Mission 41

5.5 Rights Jessore 44

5.6 UDDIPAN 47

6 Counter Trafficking Activities of INGOs 48

6.1 International Organization for Migration (IOM) 48

6.2 United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) 50

6.3 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 55

6.4 Winrock International 58

6.5 World Vision Bangladesh 62

Initiatives to address the plight of trafficked victims and

7 64
survivors

7.1 Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association 64

7.2 Centre for Women and Children Studies 65

7.3 Dhaka Ahsania Mission 66

7.4 World Vision Bangladesh 68

8 Conclusion 70
 Fore w ord

Migration of human beings started at the beginning of human civilization for various purposes.
Modern technology has made the world a global village and no citizen can be bound with a
boundary. Bangladesh is an overpopulated country. Therefore, Bangladeshi nationals are
migrating both internally, regionally and globally. The situation encouraged the domestic and
international trafficking gang to run their business in full swing.
The Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012 is an instrument to restrain the
bridle of the perpetrators. The law addressed all forms of trafficking including prostitution, other
forms of sexual exploitation, pornography, being benefitted from prostitution or others or
production, forced labour or services, debt-bondage, slavery or servitude, or practices similar to
slavery, exploitation through fake marriage, forcibly engaging others in the entertainment
industry or begging and maiming any person or the removal of organs for the purpose of trade.
Bangladesh government has laid emphasis on proper implementation of National Plan of Action
for Combating Human Trafficking, 2012-2014 to curb the crime and other ill practices related to
the crimes. In this regard, Bangladesh government is working together with NGOs and UN
bodies.
The Bangladesh Country Report on Combating Human Trafficking is the Annual Country Report
highlighting the activities undertaken by concerned government ministries, departments, INGOs
and NGOs and the achievement towards combating human trafficking. The report also has an
implication of plans and actions to be taken in the future. The Country Report is published by
Ministry of Home Affairs but it is an outcome of participatory contribution of all key
government and non -government agencies who are taking part in the fight of upholding
humanity by reducing human trafficking throughout the country including those whose names
are not mentioned in the report.
We are confident that this Country Report will amply help us in realizing our collective goal to
reduce vulnerability of victims who are at risks of trafficking as well as promote repatriation,
rehabilitation and empower the victims to get rid of the situation of re -victimization.
We would like to thank Professor Ishrat Shamim for editing the Country Report and members of
the Report Drafting Committee for their valuable contributions in preparing the report.
Concerned ministries, departments, development partners and NGOs also deserve thanks for
their direct or indirect diligent efforts in contributing to the report.

C Q K Mustaq Ahmed
Senior Secretary
Ministry of Home Affairs
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
&
Chairperson of the National Committee
for Combating Human Trafficking, Bangladesh
Abbreviations and Acronyms
ACD Association for Community Development
ACT Actions for Combating Trafficking in Persons Program
ACTWC Alliance to Combat Trafficking in Women and Children
AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
ATAB Association of Travel Agencies Bangladesh
ATMM Anti-Trafficking Monitoring and Mechanism
ATU Anti-Trafficking Unit
BAIRA Bangladesh Association for International Recruiting Agencies
BB Bangladesh Betar (Radio)
BGB Border Guard Bangladesh
BMET Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training
BNWLA Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association
BOESL Bangladesh Overseas Employment Services Limited
BOP Border Out Post
BRAC Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee
BSEHR Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights
BSF Border Security Force (India)
BSP Bangladesh Sentry Post
BSS Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
BTV Bangladesh Television
CBMP Coordinated Border Management Plan
CBO Community Based Organization
CDMS Crime Database Management Software
CDP Child Development Programme
CFIS Child Friendly Interviewing Skills
CPM Community based work to Develop Child Protection Mechanism
CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination
against Women
CFIS Child Friendly Interview Skill
CIC Community Information Centre
CID Criminal Investigation Department
CPG Child Protection Group
CRC Convention on the Rights of the Child
CSNP Child Safety Net Project
CTC Counter Trafficking Committee
CTWF Counter Trafficking Women Forum
CWC Community Watch Committee
CWC Community Watchdog Committee
CWCS Centre for Women and Children Studies
CWG Community Watch Group
CWTP Children and Women Trafficking Prevention
DAM Dhaka Ahsania Mission
DC Deputy Commissioner
DEMO District Employment and Manpower Office
DIG Deputy Inspector General of Police
DIP Department of Immigration and Passport
DMP Dhaka Metropolitan Police
DSS Department of Social Services
DWA Department of Women Affairs
GoB Government of Bangladesh
HT Human Trafficking
HIV Human Immune Virus
IEC Information, Education and Communication
IGP Inspector General of Police
IHB Information Health Booth
ILO International Labour Organization
INGO International Non-Governmental Organization
IOM International Organization for Migration
LEAs Law Enforcement Agencies
LGB Local Elected Bodies
IGA Income Generating Activities
LGD Local Government Department
LGI Local Government Institutes
LSBE Life Skills Based Education
MDP Micro Finance Program
MIND Mobile Interpol Network Device
MLAT Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty
MCA Missing Child Alert
MC&T Ministry of Communication and Technology
MoEWOE Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment
MoI Ministry of Information
MoHA Ministry of Home Affairs
MoLJPA Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs

MoRA Ministry of Religious Affairs

MoSW Ministry of Service Welfare
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
MoWCA Ministry of Women and Children Affairs
MRP Machine Readable Passport
MP Member of Parliament
NCB Nationalized Commercial Bank
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NHRC National Human Rights Commission
NSI National Security Intelligence
NIHB Niramoy Information Health Booth
NPA National Plan of Action
OCC One-Stop Crisis Center/Cell
PHQ Police Headquarters
PID Press Information Department
PNGO Partner NGO
PP Public Prosecutor
PRP Police Reform Programme
PSHT Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking
RAB Rapid Action Battalion
RI Releif International
RJ Rights Jessore
RRRI Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Integration
SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
SB Special Branch
SDP Social Development Program
SH Shelter Home
SHISUK Shikkha Shastha Unnayan Karzakram
SMC Social Marketing Committee
SOP Standard Operating Procedure
STD Sexually Transmitted Diseases
TED Theatre for Development
THB Trafficking in Human Beings Cell
TIP Trafficking in Persons
TNA Training Need Assessment
ToR Terms of Reference
ToT Training of Trainers
TTC Technical Training Center
TV Television
UN United Nations
UNICEF United Nations Children ’s Emergency Fund
UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
UP Union Parishad
US United States
VDP Village Defence Party
VGD Vulnerable Group Development
VGF Vulnerable Group Feeding
VTF Vigilance Task Force
WI Winrock International
WVB World Vision Bangladesh
YMG Youth Media Group
1. Introduction

Human trafficking is a very serious problem throughout the world, including in Bangladesh and
other South Asian countries. Human trafficking is the trade in human beings, most commonly for
the purpose of sexual slavery, forced labour or for the extraction of organs or tissues including
surrogacy. Human trafficking is a crime against the person because of the violation of the
victim's rights through coercion and exploitation. Victims of human trafficking are generally
forced to work for or provide services to the trafficker or others. Human trafficking is a crime
against humanity and is nothing short of modern day slavery. Bangladesh, along with the
regional and international partners, is making continuous efforts to combat this global vice.
Despite this, human trafficking has not been reduced to the expected level

Today it is now being considered as one of the major concern for Bangladesh. Both internal and
cross-border trafficking exists in Bangladesh. In the case of internal trafficking, women and
children are often taken from their homes on false promises of a better life with good
employment, or by using various other criminal acts and means by the traffickers who sell them
to brothels. It is mainly from rural areas where they face survival challenges and are subjected to
discriminatory socio -cultural practices. At the cross-border level, victims are transported and
transferred to destination further away such as India, Pakistan, Middle Eastern countries etc by
using illegal acts and processes which culminate in the most coercive form of human rights
violation and a life of unspeakable agony and torture. However, it may be mentioned that, given
the complex, organized and clandestine nature of the crime, and deliberate reluctance and
avoidance of the victim’s family to report cases of trafficking for a number of socio -
psychological reasons, it is difficult to have appropriate information on the problem and
sometimes reaching the roots becomes a daunting task.

The major routes used to traffic individuals are land, waterways and sometimes by air. The issue
of trafficking is integrally linked to insecurity of livelihood as well as to continuing disparities
and discrimination against marginalized communities generally, and against women in particular.
Development disparity among the countries is also a reason of trafficking.

Migration, human smuggling and human trafficking are interlinked with each other. Migration is
an inherited nature of human beings from primitive age. A cross-border migrant worker can
become a victim of human smuggling as well as human trafficking. Bangladeshi nationals who
enter into any other country illegally are at risk of human trafficking. Successful migrant workers
are also falling in the trap of abduction with allurement of better jobs in developed countries. On
the other hand, a trafficked victim can also be turned into a successful migrant worker.
Therefore, new issues have been immersing in the context of human trafficking. Bangladesh
government has taken remarkable measures to legalize illegal migrants in destination countries
and both the parties have signed MoU in this regard.

Men, women and children of bordering districts as well as other districts of distant areas from
borders are becoming victims of trafficking. The trend of trafficking in persons from bordering
districts has been reduced with initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh government and NGOs and
victimization of persons of districts of distant areas has been increased. On the other hand, rural
women and girls are migrating to cities for work like Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna etc, and the
traffickers are targeting these women and girls with allurement of better jobs in abroad. Besides
socio-economic issues, vulnerability factors of bordering districts lies in its geo -graphical and
historical aspects, acceptance of illegal migration and human smuggling. There is also
vulnerability in community based and government prevention and protection mechanism also.
Child marriage, dowry practice and domestic violence are interrelated and combination of these
harmful practices make women and girls vulnerable to be trafficked. Eve teasing, child marriage
and drop out from school both of boy and girl children pave the way to increase vulnerability of
future generation.

The Constitution of Bangladesh mandates the establishment of a society based on the rule of law,
justice, and the respect for human dignity and worth of all persons. The Constitution bans forced
and bonded labour (article 34), and imposes a duty on the State to prevent and suppress
prostitution and guarantees a number of fundamental human rights. The Constitution provides an
obligation for the State to prevent violation of human rights in any form, including human
trafficking. There are also a number of statutes and policies which provide for the legal regime
against human trafficking.

Currently, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been in the lead role of coordinating counter-
trafficking activities. There are various committees and sub -committees working under the
Ministry of Home Affairs for policy making including inter-ministerial representatives, NGOs
and INGOs working on combating human trafficking in a concerted way. Moreover, other
relevant ministries are also actively engaged in counter-trafficking activities and are extending
their cooperation to the Ministry of Home Affairs in implementation of The Prevention and
Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012 in line with National Plan of Action. The National
Plan of Action (NPA) for combating human trafficking 2012-2014 determined various activities
for all relevant government and non -government agencies under 5 goals. NPA monitoring
committee meets on regular basis to assess progress of NPA implementation by concerned
ministries, departments, NGOs and INGOs. The reports prepared by relevant ministries,
departments, NGOs and INGOs are the manifestation of implementing goals set in NPA, 2012-
2014.

The Rules of Procedures under The Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012
has been drafted and is going to be finalized soon with technical support of IOM which will be
helpful to execute the law in ensuring punishment to the traffickers. The Ministry of Home
Affairs is also working with UNICEF and UNODC to enhance capacity of law enforcing
agencies for quality investigation of human trafficking cases. Bangladesh government is also
working hard on enhancing partnership with destination countries in promoting safe migration
with a view to preventing human trafficking.

A new Act namely, 'Overseas Employment and Migration Act, 2013' has been approved in the
Parliament in November, 2013. This act will be helpful to prevent illegal migration as it states
the provision of punishment for any illegal activities in the migration process. The law has been
drafted by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. The Ministry of
Social Welfare has drafted The Children Act, 2013 in line with Convention on Rights of
Children CRC which was approved in Parliament in August, 2013. The passing of the act is a
great milestone for children in Bangladesh. The confirmation that everyone under the age of 18
years is legally a child and must stimulate action to ensure that existing laws on child labour and
child marriage are strictly adhered to which are directly related to child trafficking.

Bangladesh participated in different regional, international and bilateral meetings on safe

migration and human trafficking, People Smuggling and related transnational crime for sharing
and discussing government’s actions/ initiatives for combating trafficking in persons and
transitional crimes with global representatives about wide range of issues of mutual interest
including trafficking, transitional crimes and irregular movements. Moreover, Bangladesh
government is working in partnership with non -governmental organizations, international
agencies and the UN bodies to combat human trafficking for Bangladeshi nationals as well as
citizens of other countries of the world.

2. Progress Summary of Law Enforcing Agencies January-December 2013

Prosecution: No. of cases lodged: 366
No. of accused arrested: 458
No. of cases charge-sheeted: 106
Final report submitted: 40
Under Investigation: 220

Cases disposed of: Number of cases disposed 42

Cases ended in conviction 06
Cases ended in acquittal 36
Persons convicted 12
Death sentence Nil
Life imprisonment 3
Other terms 09
Persons acquitted 119

Number of trafficked Persons (as mentioned in the FIRs) 1312

Number of trafficked Persons rescued/recovered: 1090

Police 441
BGB 271
RAB 05
Self 94
NGO 13
Coast Guard 266

Rehabilitation of trafficked persons to:

 Parents 1051
Govt./Safe homes 39

TIP Monitoring Cell at the Police Headquarters received 122 summons/ warrant from courts and
caused the timely appearance of some 143 witnesses before the competent courts.

3. Legal Framework, National Policies

Bangladesh has assumed specific obligations under certain international instruments to combat
human trafficking through legal, judicial, legislative and social measures. Particularly,
Bangladesh has assumed obligations to effectively prevent and prosecute the offence of
trafficking in women and children under the SAARC Convention on preventing and combating
trafficking in women and children for prostitution, 2000 and certain other international
instruments namely the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989 (CRC) which provides a
legal framework to prevent children from being trafficked and to protect them if they become
victimized of trafficking, imposes on Bangladesh as a ratifying country (ratified in 1990) a
specific duty to take appropriate measures to prevent the abduction of the sale of or traffic in
children for any purpose or in any form 1 (article 35) and to combat the illicit transfer and non -
return of children abroad (article 11). Under the two Protocols to the CRC, Bangladesh has
obligations to prevent the use of children in pornography, prostitution and armed conflict. On the
other hand, by ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW), 1979, Bangladesh has an obligation to take all appropriate
measures, including legislation, to suppress all forms of traffic in women and exploitation of
prostitution of women (article 6). Other treaties providing for ancillary obligations regarding
human trafficking which Bangladesh has ratified/acceded include:

• The Convention for the Suppression of the Trafficked in Persons and of the Exploitation
of the Prostitution of Others, 1949
• The Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, Slave Trade and Institutions
and Practices Similar to Slavery, 1956
• The ILO Convention (No. 182) on the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the
Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999
• The ILO Forced Labour Convention (No. 29) on Forced or Compulsory Labour ,1930.

Moreover, on 13 July 2011, the Government has ratified the UN Convention against
Transnational Organized Crime, 2000. Bangladesh has also ratified another ancillary
international instrument namely, the UN Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All
Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, 1990 . Ratification of this Convention is sure to
have a positive impact on Bangladesh's efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking. Further,
the process for the ratification of the most notable anti-trafficking instrument, the UN Protocol to
Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, 2000 (Palermo Protocol) is already
ratified. The Government has also adopted three major national polices - the Policy for the
Advancement of Women, 2011; the Child Labour Elimination Policy, 2010 and the Child Rights
Policy, 2011 - which would have strong impact on anti-trafficking measures generally.
Especially, the National Women Policy, 2011 and the Child Rights Policy, 2011 categorically
shows the government's commitment to eradicate trafficking in women and children.

Bangladesh government has also approved in the Parliament to be in force The Children Act,
2013 which will help reduce to fall children in exploitative situation and trafficking of children.
The Children Act have provisions of establishing Juvenile Court, Child Welfare Board, Child
Affairs Desk under the Police Stations which will help promote child protection and child rights
and ultimately reduce child trafficking. “The Overseas Employment and Migration Act, 2013”
respectively enacted in August, 2013. This Act will prevent illegal migration and promote safe
migration which will ultimately help to combat human trafficking.

The Rules under The Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012 has been
drafted and is going to be finalized soon with technical support of IOM which will be helpful to
execute the law in ensuring punishment of human traffickers. The rules will be the guidelines for
key stakeholders to execute the PSHT Act, 2012. After passing the rules, Bangladesh
government will able to take necessary steps to establish The Human Trafficking Prevention
Fund, forming National Anti-Human Trafficking Authority, Unified Code of Conduct for Shelter
homes will be accelerated. In fact, activities of key NPA implementing agencies will get
momentum after approval of the rules.

NPA 2012-14 implementation Progress:

National Plan of Action 2012 -14 has been using as an effective and essential instrument for
profoundly suppress human trafficking and protect victims through undertaken activities and
defined responsibilities for the key stakeholders since its inception in 2012. Time bound
activities of concerned authority gets priority to fight against human trafficking with joint actions
in a coordinated approach. Based on Guiding Principles and specific Objectives NPA, 2012-14
implementation progresses focused on five Goals: 1. Prevention of Human Trafficking,
Awareness and Mobilization 2. Protection of Trafficking Victims/ Survivors 3.Prosecution of
Human Trafficking Offences 4. Development of Partnership, Participation, Coordination and
Cross-country Mutual Legal Assistance 5. Development of a Monitoring, Evaluation and
Reporting.

Goal wise initiatives taken by the authorized Government (Ministries/ Departments) and Non-
government organizations (NGOs/ INGOs/ UN Agencies) and as per implementation progress
report of January, 2012 to August, 2013 received from MoWCA, MoEWOE, MoSW, MoI,
MoHA, MoFA, BGB, ACD, BNWLA, CWCS, DAM, Rights Jessore, RMMRU, Uddipon,
Action Aid, IOM, Winrock International, World Vision has given below:
Goal 1 To Prevent Human Trafficking

§ Near about Thirty -five-thousand copies of Campaign-brochure with information of NPA &
Law 2012 developed and distributed among responsible government agencies including
ministries and CTCs;
§ A Victim’s Database on rescued and repatriated trafficked victims has been maintained by
RRRI Task Force with joint support of MoHA and UNICEF funded project. Besides,
Website: www.antitraffickingcell.gov.bd also has been being maintained and monitored by
MoHA and also different agencies like Police Head Quarters, BGB, MoEWOE, MoFA,
MoWCA, MoSW has been maintaining individual website for coordinating activities and
sharing of information among agencies. A linkage among all relevant agencies website
have also been made with RRRI Task Force Website;
§ More than Ninety five thousand people are already aware of HT and safe way of migration
through different preventive measures and awareness raising activities;
§ 1871 Teachers, 26910 Students, 1314 Journalists, 688 Govt. Officers were trained on HT &
safe migration issues;
§ Government Support has given during the reporting period to the people at risk. 75000
women got rice/ wheat, 67500 women received stipend, 101200 women received cash
support, 735 children received stipend, 3000 adolescent got stipend once through MoWCA
and UNICEF joint program by creation of livelihood option and social protection for
people most at risk as per activity of NPA. Besides, MOEWOE has been providing
technical training to the potential migrants through its 38 TTC institutions all over the
country. NGOs also provided livelihood support to 5370 survivors by their implemented
projects;
§ 1896 members of 23 Counter Trafficking Committees (CTCs) trained on HT and safe
migration;
§ In Dhaka, a national monitoring committee of NPA has formed and a meeting is being
conducted regularly in every month in order to make coordination and information sharing
among the stakeholders to monitor the NPA implementation progress as per time bound
activities;

Goal 2 To Protect the victims/ survivors of Human Trafficking

• Development of a Guideline on Minimum Standard of Care for Service providers is under

process by the MoSW with assistance of the Government and Non -government/ UN
agencies. A total of 2450 service providers oriented about required services for victims of
human trafficking;
• Concerned ministries have assigned focal persons to expedite the activities. MoEWOE also
assigned a focal point in welfare desk under DC offices all over the country and gave
orientation to them on Human Trafficking & Safe Migration issues;
 • District Legal Aid Committee allocated fund for assisting victims;
• RRRI Task Force introduced Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and is applying this SoP
for rescue, repatriation and integration of trafficked victims. 1000 copies of the SOP
already circulated among concerned organizations. Partner NGOs of RRRI Task Force
received or ientation on SOP.
• MoWCA and other 4 NGOs developed individual Module for Psychosocial counseling and
provided assistance accordingly. 53 service providers working in NGO and 203 Police
officials received training on counseling as per developed module.
• A victim’s database has been developed and is being maintaining by RRRI Task Force. In
the reporting year, RRRI Task Force/ MoHA received applications for repatriation of 1219
trafficked victims from different countries especially from India. Out of them, rep atriation
order for 900 victims and initiatives has been taken for their safe return through diplomatic
channel. A total of 677 trafficked victims’ final repatriation related information received
and most of them were repatriated from India following the Standard Operating Procedure
(SOP) with coordination of RRRI Task Force members organizations (GO/ NGOs) in both
countries. Besides, five (2 Female, 2 Minor Girls & 1 Male) Indian Nationals /victims were
send back to their native country through support fro m member NGOs of the Task Force;
• Development of a online alert system for the missing child or victims of human trafficking
is under process with joint initiatives of an International NGO and MoHA;
• GO/NGOs including Ministry of Information developed different awareness raising
materials (print & electronic) in line with HT law and NPA. Near about 10 million people
already aware by those materials;
• A Private University: “Northern University of Bangladesh” introduced specific course on
HT & Safe migration. 438 Student of that University got knowledge on the issues;
• Victim/ witness protection Unit established in 81 Police Stations and 221 Sub -Inspectors
assigned as Victim/ witness protection Officers in those PS. Others are under process;
• 06 Govt. Shelter Homes, 08 OCCs, One National Trauma counseling center under
MoWCA; 06 shelter homes under MoSW and 24 shelter homes/ transit homes/ support
center under NGOs has been established. 05 more shelter homes are under process to be
established by MoSW;
• 01 Transit home In Riyadh and 01 in Beirut established by the initiatives of Forign Mission
and establishment of another one transit home in Lebanon is under process.
• A Labor Attaché conference has organized for 16 numbers of labor wings in 14 countries
and orientation has given to them about safe migration and HT by the MoEWOE. In
addition, all new appointed labor attaché got one month training before their posting to the
destination countries. Newly appointed attaché got orientations on HT and Safe migration
issue by that training;

Goal 3 Effective Prosecution of Human Trafficking Cases

 § 43 Tribunals already established as per the law for prosecution of Human Trafficking
cases;
§ Rules under the law already drafted which is under the enactment process of the MoLJPA;
§ Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matter signed with Indian Govt. and another MoU
related to RRRI Task Force is under process to sign;
§ A Task Force on RRRI of victims of human trafficking already established and activated
by MoHA. Every year Bi-lateral Dialogue with Indian RRRI Task Force is being arranged
by the govt. of Bangladesh and India. A draft SOP on RRRI issue and a draft MOU
developed in the 3rd Bilateral meeting held in Cox’s bazaar in 2012. 4th meeting will be
held in India by April 2014. MoFA is working for review and amendment of SAARC
Convention. Bangladesh govt. is actively participating in Bali Process and is contributing
in global initiatives to stop human trafficking, smuggling of people and safe migration
issues ;
§ 14265 Law Enforcing Agencies including Police, BGB, CID officials, 264 Lawyers &
Judges and other 565 persons involved with legal enforcement trained on general issues of
HT and operational laws to prosecute/ investigate/ adjudicate trafficking cases;
§ 140 Govt. officials/ Arbitrators trained on HT & Migration, proper arbitration/ prosecution
of cases by NGOs;
§ 563 victims of human trafficking received legal support from NGOs and 92 para legal/
persons of union based E-info. Center got training on the issues;

Goal 4 To develop Partnership, participation, networking, and cross -country

legal assistance to prevent & combat HT and protect its victims

§ National anti-trafficking Fund will be established as when the rules pass by the govt.
§ The Ministry of Home Affairs extended its collaboration with UNODC to implement a
project for enhancing the technical capacity of the Government of Bangladesh in
strengthening the response to human trafficking at the country level. The ministry also
continued cooperation with UNICEF and IOM and also International Organizations like:
World Vision, Winrock International, and Plan International, Bangladesh to continue their
ongoing activities on AHT in the area of prevention, protection and rehabilitation services.
Besides, GO-NGO coordination meetings with leading NGOs working for anti-human
trafficking issues, chaired by senior Secretary, MOHA to monitor and support the AHT
activities implemented by the NGOs. Partnerships also strengthen with other ministries and
to continue GO-GO coordination meetings regularly chaired by senior Secretary, MOHA.

Goal 5 To develop effective system Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

 § A committee for Coordinating, Monitoring & Evaluating HT activities has been formed
in accordance with concerned key ministries & NGOs by MoHA. Every months meeting
is being held and data of NPA implementation progress are also being recorded by this
committee. Different level of CTCs are activated to track/ monitor the implementation
progress of time bound activities under NPA 2012- 14;
§ “A Comprehensive Survey on Patterns and Prevalence of Trafficking in Persons in
Bangladesh” is going to be conducted by an International NGO in compliance with
baseline survey on HT scenario in Bangladesh as per NPA;
§ A Vigilance Task Force under MoEWOE has formed to monitor Safe Migration process
and prevent human trafficking. This VTF is very active to monitor Recruiting agencies’
performance. A total of 14 raids have taken place and 03 human trafficking related cases
filed by VTF during the reporting time.

4. Initiatives and Measures of Government Ministries and Departments to Combat

Human Trafficking
Bangladesh government has being continuously taking pro -active steps and measures to combat
all forms of human trafficking, especially trafficking in women and children from 2004. It has
initiated in the preparation and formulating the new law on all forms of human trafficking and
National Plan of Action for Combating Human Trafficking 2012-2014 which has already been
enacted and subsequently the Rules to implement the law in a concerted way with the concerned
line Ministries, their respective departments, NGOs and INGOs.

4.1 Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA)

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been the lead Ministry to address the issue of human
trafficking in a holistic way by coordinating the activities of the concerned Ministries and
departments, INGOs and NGOs. The Ministry had been pro -active in formulating the Prevention
and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012 and the National Plan of Action for Combating
Human Trafficking, 2012 -14. Rules of the new human trafficking law are underway to be
finalized soon.

Under the leadership of the Home Ministry, National Plan of Action, 2012-14 was prepared with
the active participation of all concerned Ministries, departments, agencies and NGOs who were
responsible for the implementation of NPA to combat human trafficking. The present Plan of
Action has outlined the responsibilities of concerned government agencies as well as
development partners and NGOs. In this regard, a draft reporting format for the responsible
organizations who will be implementers of the activities is underway, especially for monitoring
the Plan of Action. MOHA is effectively coordinating to monitor the National Plan of Action to
expedite prevention of the incidents, protection of victims and prosecution of human trafficking
cases. MoHA and UNODC have jointly undertaken a project entitled “Technical Assistance to
the Government of Bangladesh in Strengthening the Responses to Human Trafficking”. Under
the project three shelter homes are being supported at Dhaka, Bogra and Jessore by UNODC to
provide shelter services to the victims of labour trafficking which will also help standardize
overall shelter services for the victims with support of the lead Ministry: the Ministry of Home
Affairs.

4.1.1 Task Force on Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Integration (RRRI) of

victims of Human Trafficking

As a heinous and inhuman cross border crime, Human Trafficking, especially trafficking in
women and children gets highest priority and attention seeing a thrust issue to fight by the states
of Bangladesh and neighbour country India. Considering the phenomenon of this offence,
particularly causes and consequences of massive violation of human rights, the government of
both countries agreed to establish a joint mechanism for combating Human Trafficking. Besides,
understanding the complex fact which is resulting vulnerable situation for its victims and
undermines the value, worth and dignity of the persons, the responsible stakeholders of both
governments took initiatives to activate the joint mechanism for smooth Rescue, Recovery,
Repatriation and Integration (RRRI) of the victims of human trafficking.

As a result, in 2007, the government of Bangladesh and India formed RRRI Task Force (initially
started between national government of Bangladesh and state government of West Bengal) and
this taskforce gradually developed Standard Operating Procedure to overcome the complex
process of rescue-to-integration of trafficked victims in both countries.

Bangladesh Government took initiatives to stop cross border human trafficking through
coordination and cooperation of the RRRI task force in India and Bangladesh which has been
facilitating by the Focal Points. Additional Secretary/ Joint Secretary of Ministry of Home
Affairs took lead the Bangladesh RRRI Task Force with other members from different
Government and Non -government agencies in different joint actions concerning Anti-human
trafficking policies and practices. Consequently, lots of bilateral initiatives have been taken in
the reporting year through implementing a project: “Anti-Trafficking Monitoring and
Mechanisms” supported by UNICEF, Bangladesh. The ministry also developed a Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) for smooth and on scheduled Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and
Integration (RRRI) of victims of Human Trafficking. In addition, a unified SOP for using both
RRRI Task Forces and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) also have been drafted for
strengthen and effectiveness of RRRI Task Force of Bangladesh and India considering the
frequency of the crime in both countries.
 Preparatory Workshop of RRRI Taskforce concerning 4 th Bilateral Meeting among
Bangladesh and India

Implemented activities of RRRI Task Force:

Sl. Activities Achievements in 2013 Remarks

1 Capacity Building Two days Training on ‘Child Friendly Interview Skill

Training to law (CFIS)’ was provided to 445 Law Enforcement
Enforcing Agencies Agencies with support of UNICEF funded joint
project. Among them 195 were Police, 175 Criminal
Investigation Department (CID), 75 Border Guard
Bangladesh (BGB) Officials participated in those
training programmes.
2 Identification and RRRI Task Force/MoHA received applications for
Repatriation of repatriation of 1219 trafficked victims from
Trafficked Victims different countries, especially from India. Out of
by following SOP them MoHA issued repatriation order for 900 victims
and took initiatives for their safe return through
diplomatic channel. Till the date, a total of 677
trafficked victim’s final repatriation related
information received and most of them were
repatriated from India following the Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) with coordination of
RRRI Task Force member’s organizations
(GO/NGOs) in both countries. Besides, five (2
Female, 2 Minor Girls & 1 Male) Indians
 National/victims were sent back to their native
country through support from member NGOs of the
Task Force.
3 Integration of A total of 161 repatriated victims of trafficking were
trafficked Victims identified and made case management of them for
with livelihood providing livelihood supports through UNICEF’s
support Cash support program with MoSW in order to stop
re-victimization of human trafficking and ensure
social safety and security. Those victims will get
needful livelihood support through UNICEF-MoHA
implemented “ATMM” project.
4 Develop Training The ministry has reviewed and redesigned a Module Under
Module for providing training to LEA on “Child Friendly process
Interview Skills”. As per this module, Training of for
Trainers (ToT) will be provided to LEA for reprinting
improving justice system to ensure rights of the the
victims of human trafficking. module.
5 Policy Initiatives to Ministry has drafted Rules under The Prevention and
make a change in Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012 with
practice and ensure support of RRRI Task Force. Besides, In addition,
justice for the MoHA also took initiatives to enforce ‘The Children
victims Act, 2013’ by establishing Child Affairs Desk and
assigned Child Affairs Police Officers in every Police
Stations all over the country.
6 Bilateral Initiatives Ministry took preparation for organizing and 4th
for smooth RRRI participating 4th Bilateral meeting of RRRI Task Bilateral
of trafficked Force of Bangladesh and India which supposed to be meeting
victims organized by the Indian Government in Mumbai in was
2013. In this regard, MoHA with support of postponed
UNICEF/RRRI Task Force has organized a and to be
preparatory workshop on October 21, 2013 where 27 held in
participants were actively participated and took 2014.
preparation about discussion issues of the upcoming
bilateral meeting.
7 Develop Standard A Unified SOP on RRRI of victims of human Under
Operating trafficking especially for women & children has been process
Procedure (SOP) & drafted and a MoU in this regard also been developed for sign in
Memorandum of by the RRRI Task Force of Bangladesh and India. 4th
Understanding Bilateral
(MoU) meeting.
 Training to LEA on “Child Friendly Interview Skill (CFIS)” in Rajshahi

RRRI Task Force actively works for ensuring victims’ rights and justice through implementing
activities from national to grassroots level besides international interventions. This Task Force is
assisting victims by providing support from Rescue to Integration at home and abroad by
following process and legal procedure of SOP. The safe return and social inclusion programmes
of RRRI Task Force based on the four principles: 1. Best Interests of the Victims 2. Protection
3. Cooperation 4. Tailor-made Solution.

4.1.2 Bangladesh Police

Bangladesh Police have been actively participating in Bangladesh Government’s collective effort
on combating Trafficking in Human Beings for a long time with the special preference for
saving women and children. They contribute in every phase of prevention, detection and
investigation of the TIP cases as well as rehabilitation of the victims. Since its inception in 2004,
the TIP monitoring cell in the Police Headquarters has been working successfully by monitoring,
guiding and liaising with the district-level monitoring cells of Bangladesh Police. Bangladesh
Police have monitoring cells in all districts with Additional Superintendents of Police as their
immediate heads. These cells closely monitor the cases related to trafficking in women and
children lodged in their respective jurisdictions. At the Centre the PHQ Monitoring Cell, along
with the 64 District Monitoring Cells, works with concerned ministries, GOs and NGOs.

The TIP Cell in the PHQ has monitored a total number of 617 (Six hundred and seventeen)
cases of TIP since 2004. Out of these cases, 211 resulted in conviction and 406 cases ended up
in acquittal. A total number of 361 persons were convicted, out of whom 08 persons were
awarded with death sentence; 263 were sentenced to life-term imprisonment and 90
received monetary penalties and imprisonment for various duration. However, some 1,187
persons were acquitted in 406 Cases during the period.

At present, 886 cases related to trafficking in women and children are under trial in different
courts of Bangladesh. Out of these cases 98 are being monitored by PHQ Monitoring Cell. In
2012, a total of 243 cases were lodged in different police stations of Bangladesh. The number
was 143 in 2011. A total number of 272 suspects were arrested in 2012 with a contrast of 113
persons in 2011. In 2013 a total number of 42 cases were disposed where the number of accused
is 131. In the lower court 12 traffickers were convicted in 6 cases while 119 persons were
acquitted in 36 cases up to 20 December 2013.

Web-based software ‘Integrated Crime Data Management System’ (CDMS) has been set up at
Police Headquarters’ Monitoring Cell where all information of trafficking victims/survivors and
other relevant statistics are regularly analyzed and preserved. Monthly/yearly status of Human
Trafficking cases are uploaded to Bangladesh police web site (www.police.gov.bd) regularly
making up to date information on TIP available to the public, especially to the stakeholders.

A Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) Cell has also been set up in the Criminal Investigation
Department (CID) of Bangladesh Police to monitor the investigation of TIP cases. Monthly
meetings are held here with the participation of the TIP case investigation officers. The THB
Cell continuously monitors the progress of investigation of sensational trafficking cases in
regular basis. The cell provides with necessary instructions and guidance to the field level
officers too.

To encounter the TIP cases and for the prevention of the menace by sensitizing and by making
aware of the people, Bangladesh police inter alia give importance of following aspects:

1. Prevention: Police officers in the fields take part in mass awareness, motivational and
sensitization programs at different levels in the society including educational and religious
institutions. They also participate in electronic media program, seminars and workshops
both at home and abroad. Training institutes of Bangladesh Police have incorporated
modules on TIP in different training curricula. In 2013, a total number of 11,325 police
officers of different ranks were imparted training on the issues of TIP in 105 training
programs .

2. Protection: In 2013, Bangladesh Police recovered and rescued 1,090 TIP victims among
whom 1,051 were rehabilitated to their respective parents and the rest were handed over
to the government/ NGO run safe homes. Bangladesh Police, with the assistance of the
Police Reform Program, UNDP, has undertaken a program of establishing seven Victim
Support Centre (VSC) across the country of which two are in operation. VSCs are the ideal
of government-NGO collaboration in supporting the women and children victims of crimes
including the victims of TIP. VSCs are located in divisional headquarters an additional in
Rangamati Hill District.
 4.1.3 Bangladesh Police Special Branch, Immigration Wing

The responsibility of immigration clearance at all border checkpoints of Bangladesh rests with
the Special Branch Immigration. Since liberation of Bangladesh, Immigration Police has been
performing this important job of Border Management very efficiently under Ministry of Home
Affairs. With the vision to have a modern world class Immigration Service Special Branch
Immigration is applying all sorts of systems, procedures and technologies to enhance efficiency
in both facilitation and control. Immigration is running on some specified missions and one of
them is to prevent human trafficking and smuggling. All the Immigration Officers are specially
trained in this regard.

Bangladesh has 3 international airports, 2 seaports and 28 land check posts including one railway
immigration check post. Each year approximately five million persons pass through Immigration
clearance process.

Since May 2003, Special Branch has developed and introduced its database “Fortrac" for
tracking illegal or suspected incoming and outgoing passengers. In 2009, Special Branch
Immigration has developed new version of Immigration software "Portrac-3" which can even
collect and preserve passenger’s biometric features along with photos.

The Special Branch has established the central connectivity between Special Branch
Headquarters, with other major airports and land check posts which cover 95% of total
movement of passengers. Movement of the remaining 5% is being kept in off line in laptop. The
central connectivity of those check posts is on the way to be completed very soon. From Special
Branch Headquarters, immigration higher authority can visualize the immigration activity at
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport connected by radio link. Immigration is connected with
NCB and NCB is connected with Interpol through i 24/7 which provides information to all
immigration check posts. Immigration police is also using Mobile Interpol Network Device
(MIND), a very modern and sophisticated Interpol database. by using this database Immigration
police can check lost and stolen passport and Interpol Red notice. Immigration has also the
connectivity with Bangladesh Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) and passport
office.

From January, 2013 to 20th December, 2013, immigration police has offloaded 2,022 outgoing
passengers through 3 International Airports. Distribution of off loaded passengers is given
below:

Fake visa PC Imposter Fake persons Fake seal Others

Men Women Men Women Men Women Men Women Men Women Men Women
521 17 185 8 99 0 126 43 28 0 597 398
Generally the causes of offload are fake/forged visa, passport, man power clearance and seal etc.
Other major reasons of off load are human smuggling and human trafficking. Immigration police
is highly dedicated and professional to combat human trafficking.

4.1.4 Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is playing a significant role in combating human trafficking,
especially women and children, since beginning RAB has achieved remarkable success in
detection and prevention of such crimes and arrest of criminals involved in trafficking of women
and children. All the policies and rules relating to functioning specific guideline is given to the
RAB members to uphold the human rights as contained in the constitution of the People’s
Republic of Bangladesh.

Achievements of RAB

RAB Forces conducted a number of operations and rescued abducted victims and arrested the
criminal’s involved human trafficking. During 2013, a total of 66 operations have been
conducted by RAB to rescue abducted victims and in this regard, 104 persons had been arrested
and 69 victims were rescued from 1 January -20 December 2013. On the other hand, 1 operation
has been conducted to rescue 3 children and no trafficker was apprehended due to committing
the crimes related to trafficking in women and children in particular. Moreover, RAB also
rescued 266 Bangladeshi nationals who are going to Malaysia illegally as human smuggling
through 14 operations and at the same time arrested 7 dalals who are accused of alluring them.
The statistics of RAB achievement against such crimes are given below:

Rescue and arrest related to abduction cases

1 January to 20 December 2012

Persons arrested with
No of operations Rescued victims
regard to abduction case
66 104 69

Rescue and arrest related to cases of trafficking in women and children

1 January 20 December 2012

Persons arrested due to Rescued women and children
No of operations trafficking in women and victims
children Women Children Total
01 - - 03 03
 Recovery and arrest related to human smuggling who were going to Malaysia by boat.

1 January 20 December 2012

Arrest due to trafficking Rescued victims including
No of operations
cases men
14 7 266

4.1.5 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)

The role of BGB is to guard and control the land border of the country. With regard to trafficking
of persons, BGB is involved in controlling the border, interception/ apprehension of
traffickers/smugglers, rescue and recovery of victims and repatriation of victim through flag
meeting. With respect to prevention of trafficking, BGB takes part in awareness raising
activities. It also carries out regular training and awareness programmes for officials at all level.
Recent construction of Border Sentry Posts (BSP) all along the border will definitely enhance the
capability of monitoring borders more effectively.

Training programmes: Training Directorate of Border Guard Bangladesh plans and designs a
good number of multi-dimensional training courses for BGB members in every fiscal year. In
every course the trainers follow specific lesson plans on different modules as per need and nature
of training but the issues of combating trafficking of women and children is included as
mandatory. That lesson plan mostly covers general concept of human trafficking, the target
groups, causes and consequences of trafficking in women and children and probable preventive
measures in the fight against trafficking etc. However, a total of 98 BGB Soldiers were trained
on CFIS (Child Friendly Interview Skills) under arrangement of BGB with cooperation
and support of Ministry of Home Affairs in this year. The aim of the training is how to behave
with the children who were trafficked and how to hand over them to the local police stations for
legal action s.

Construction of Border Sentry Posts (BSP )

A total of 125 Border Sentry Posts have already been established in between BOPs and another
20 x Border Sentry Posts are under process to be established very soon.

Rescue and Recovery of Trafficked Women and Children: BGB officials have been given
strict instructions to rescue and recover the trafficked women and children and apprehend the
traffickers. The Statistics of victims rescued by BGB from January 2013 to 25 December 2013 is
as follows:

Total Number of Recovered victims

Duration
Arrested Traffickers Women Children
1 Jan - 25 Dec 2013 16 728 185
Other activities in creating awareness to prevent trafficking of women and children are as
follows:

• Some special training, workshop and seminars were jointly organized by BGB and some
NGOs on reproductive health and gender issues, trafficking of women and children,
violence against women, awareness against HIV/AIDS etc.
• Members of Border Guard Bangladesh attend the Union, Upazila, District and National level
meetings on the issues of combating human trafficking on regular basis and they participate
in discussion.
• Following number of banner, festoon, posters, leaflets and brochures were distributed
among the local important places, District/Upazila & bordering School, College,
Madrasha & Haat/bazaar for growing awareness of human trafficking:

IEC materials Banners Festoons Posters Leaflets Brochures

Number 120 400 17,800 2,650 5,000

4.1.6 Bangladesh Coast Guard

Bangladesh Coast Guard is actively engaged in combating human trafficking through the
national waters of Bangladesh. All units of the force (zones, bases, stations/outposts and
ships/crafts) remain vigilant against human trafficking in their areas of responsibility across the
entire coastal belt and the Sundarbans. Various effective measures have been taken to curb
human trafficking through sea, adjacent coastal areas and vulnerable river routes.

Some of the measures taken by Bangladesh Coast Guard:

• Regular patrolling by ships, crafts and boats in vulnerable human trafficking areas,
especially, in the offshore areas of Chittagong, Khulna (including the Sundarbans),
Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Cox’s Bazar, St. Martins and Teknaf.

• Conducting special operations in off shore areas of East and South coasts, St.Martins
Island including bordering river Naaf and some char areas as and when required.

• Conducting special operations at Dublar Char and Baniashania of Mongla to prevent

abuse of women and children.

• Regular checking of all ships and crafts using river routes at various check points in
the Sundarbans.

• Organizing motivational and awareness creating programmes regularly in

coordination with other concern agencies and departments for the people of remote
 coastal areas. Over 20,000 persons were trained in 2013 on the causes and
consequences of human trafficking.

Bangladesh Coast Guard has conducted a total 11,448 operations and has checked 60,453
vessels during the period from 01 January to 20 December, 2013. During this period,
Bangladesh Coast Guard apprehended a total of 362 persons while trying to proceed to
Malaysia illegally through the sea.

Bangladesh Coast Guard is fully committed to combat human trafficking through the national
waters of Bangladesh. Coast Guard's constant presence at sea and in the coastal areas along with
relentless efforts by its members has enabled this force to reduce this problem remarkably. Coast
Guard's mere presence serves as deterrence to illegal human trafficking activities.

4.1.7 Bangladesh Ansar/ Village Defence Party (VDP)

Bangladesh Ansar-VDP is an organization of about 5.9 million members out of- which 50% are
women. This huge social force of this organization has a great privilege to reach the remotest
corner of the country. Through different courses and rallies these members are motivated and
become aware of the consequences of human trafficking. It is easier for them to identify the
people who are involved in trafficking and to create awareness against it.

Training Directorate of Bangladesh Ansar-VDP plans and designs a good number of

multidimensional training courses for Ansar-VDP members in every fiscal year. Ansar-VDP
members, from grass root level, participate in these courses. In every Course the trainers follow
specific lesson plans on different modules as per need and nature of training but the subject of
Combating Human Trafficking is cross cutting. That lesson plan mostly covers general concept
of human trafficking, the target groups, causes and effect of trafficking in women and children,
probable preventive measures against trafficking etc. Through these courses the members of
Ansar-VDP are highly motivated and become aware at grass root level.

Other activities to build awareness against Human Trafficking:

1. Some special training, workshop, and seminars are jointly organized by some NGOs,
on Reproductive health and Gender Issues, Human Trafficking, Violence Against
Women, awareness against HIV/AIDS etc.
2. Every year Ansar-VDP organizes rallies/meetings at Union, Upazilla, district and
range levels. Ansar-VDP members attend these gatherings where speakers highlight
this issue to motivate them.
3. Upazilla/Thana Ansar-VDP Officers conduct regular meeting with Union Leaders
and Ansar Commanders at their offices. They discuss the issue and get feedback
regularly on combating Human trafficking in those meetings.
4. The most effective and huge training program of this organization is basic training of
Ansar-VDP members at grassroots level. In the year 2013 the total number of
participants of Ansar-VDP training was around 80,000 and out of which 50% were
women. These trainings and rallies are playing a tremendous impact in creating
 awareness against Human Trafficking at village level, where the probable victims live
in.
5. Ansar-VDP has started imparting technical & skill development training to the
vulnerable men & women to enable them for IGAs or overseas employment. This will
bring about a preventive impact on Human Trafficking.

The members of Bangladesh Ansar-VDP are playing a vital role on combating Human
trafficking through building awareness amongst mass people of Bangladesh. They are rendering
service to the society which cannot be counted but the positive impact of their Service can be
realized.

4.2 National Security of Intelligence (NSI)

This organization has been playing an instrumental role in contributing towards different
measures to stop and minimize human trafficking. In most of the occasions its information/
report etc. Were forwarded to different Law Enforcement Agencies. For obvious reasons these
are not possible to divulge for public/open circulation.

4.3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)

Trafficking in persons has been a long-standing concern of the international community and the
United Nations. According to UN reports on the issue, trafficking, particularly in women and
children is one of the fastest-growing areas of organized crime. Women and girls have been
increasingly trafficked within and across borders. They are subject to abuse, including sexual
abuse and violence in the course of trafficking, as well as other violations of their human rights.
Bangladesh as a responsible member of the international community has always been striving to
follow the principles enunciated in the United Nations Charter, including respect for
international law and maintaining peaceful relations with the global community. Upholding and
protecting the rights of women and children, is at the top of the agenda of the Government of
Bangladesh.

The Constitution of Bangladesh also guarantees that all citizens are equal before law and are
entitled to equal protection of law. The Government is watchful to protect its citizens who fall
victims of trafficking – fraudulent and forced labour – in any forms. Accordingly, the
Government of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been
making sincere efforts to combat trafficking in persons, in particular trafficking in women and
children. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has remained involved with deliberations on
combating trafficking in persons and people’s smuggling in various multilateral, regional,
bilateral as well as national levels.

Bangladesh’s Adherence to Relevant International and Regional Instruments:

Bangladesh has, so far, signed and ratified/acceded to the following international instruments as

part of its commitment to combat trafficking in persons, especially of women and children:

a. Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW,

1979);
b. Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the
Prostitution of Others, 1985
c. Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions
and Practices Similar to Slavery, 1985
d. Conventions on the Rights of the Child (CRC , 1989);
e. Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children,
Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, 2000;
f. ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, 2001;
g. SAARC Convention on Prevention and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children
for Prostitution, 2002;
h. UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2011
i. Bangladesh is considering signing the Additional Protocols regarding Preventing,
Suppressing and Punishing Trafficking in Persons; Especially Women and Children,
Supplementing the UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (Palermo
Convention).

Bangladesh’s Initiatives at the United Nations:

Bangladesh remains in the forefront of all major initiatives within the UN on combating
trafficking in persons and people’s smuggling, especially those addressing the situation of
women and children. In 2010, the UN adopted a Global Plan of Action. The plan focuses on four
pillars in the anti-trafficking effort– preventing, prosecuting offenders, protecting victims and
forming partnerships. In May 2013, a high-level meeting was held to examine progress made on
the UN Global Plan of Action. Bangladesh actively participated in the event at the Foreign
Minister level and highlighted recent initiatives taken by the Government including adoption of
the first Human Trafficking Deterrence and Suppression Act, 2012, the first National Plan of
Action 2012-14, and existing monitoring mechanism through GO-NGO partnerships.
Bangladesh also informed the meeting about its role in regional and bilateral anti-trafficking
initiatives including in SAARC, the Bali Process. At the same time, we made some pledges and
recommendations for investing in intelligence network across regions and enhanced mutual legal
assistance among countries of origin, transit and destination.

Bangladesh is always an active participant in the ‘Group of Friends United against Human
Trafficking’ (an informal, voluntary and open -ended association of 21 Member States). This
Group has actively remained involved in the process of implementation of the United Nations
Global Plan of Action. The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the ‘Group of Friends United against
Human Trafficking’ was held on 26 September 2013 and the Hon’ble Foreign Minister of
Bangladesh participated at the Meeting. At the meeting, Bangladesh called for greater
cooperation between the Group of Friends and Inter-Agency Coordination Team to mobilize
resources to support capacity -building of law enforcement agencies and security forces of
developing country members of the Group, especially for investigation and prosecution of
trafficking related crimes and protection of victims.

Bangladesh, as a member of the Group of Friends (GoF) is also a sponsor of UNGA annual
resolution on trafficking. A resolution (A/Res/67/260) on “Modalities, format and organization
of the high -level meeting of the General Assembly on the appraisal of the United Nations Global
Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons” was adopted at 75th Plenary Meeting of the
United Nations General Assembly on 1 May 2013. Among other issues, this resolution
encourages the Member States and other stakeholders to continue contributing to the United
Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and
Children, which was established by the Global Plan of Action. In line with its principled
position, Bangladesh supported this Resolution .

Initiatives at Regional level:

Under the aegis of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the issue of
trafficking in persons, particularly women and children, has been given much emphasis and a
Regional Task Force has been working on this issue. Bangladesh being a State Party to the
SAARC Convention on Prevention and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for
Prostitution has been maintaining two mechanisms arising out of this Convention —i) Standard
Operational Procedure, and ii) Regional Uniformed Toll Free Help -Line for women and children
on the issue. Currently, Bangladesh has been actively involved in widening the scope of the
Convention as the 17th SAARC Summit directed the finalization of work on the elaboration of
the Convention with a view to its adoption by the next Summit. A Concept Note prepared by the
Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry
of Women and Children was submitted at the Fifth Meeting of the Regional Task Force (RTF)
held in Paro, Bhutan from 11-12 April 2013. An Expert Group Meeting, as decided at the 5th
Meeting of RTF, shall meet to discuss and draft changes to the Convention on Prevention and
Combating trafficking in Women and Children for prostitution. Upon the recommendations of the
EGM which has not yet been scheduled, the draft of the Convention accommodating the broader
concept is expected to be finalized in the Sixth Meeting of RTF to be held in Dhaka, preferably
during the second quarter of 2014.

Bangladesh remains a regular and active participant in the Bali Process in line with our national
commitment to curb trafficking in persons, particularly women and children. Dr. Dipu Moni,
MP, former Foreign Minister led the Bangladesh delegation at the “F ifth Ministerial
Conference of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in persons and related
Transnational Crime” held in Bali, Indonesia in April 2013. Bangladesh regularly participates
in various Bali Process activities, including Workshops, Seminar, events and meetings
throughout the year.

A Bangladesh delegation led by the Hon’ble Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare & Overseas
Employment attended “ the Special Conference on Irregular Movement of Persons” held on
20 August 2013, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Bilateral Initiatives:
India:
Given the long porous border with India and the need for effective border-control measures, a
Joint Task Force has been formed between Bangladesh and India on Rescue, Recovery,
Repatriation and Integration (RRRI) of women and children victims of trafficking of these two
countries. The Taskforce with the support of UNICEF has established a full fledged office in the
Ministry of Home Affairs and monitors regular child trafficking RRRI initiatives from there. A
website has been opened for the RRRI Task Force and is working effectively.

Different Ministries and departments of the Government, NGOs and INGOs are working
together for Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Integration (RRRI) of child victims of
trafficking. Members of the RRRI Task Force Cell, Bangladesh meet at the Ministry of Home
Affairs on a monthly basis and evaluate the decisions and their implementation. Three bilateral
meetings of Bangladesh and India Task Force on Human Trafficking have been held and the 4th
meeting is expected to be held in Mumbai, India soon. The two countries have also finalized a
MoU on ‘Bilateral Cooperation for Prevention of Human Trafficking: Rescue, Recovery,
Repatriation and Integration of Victims of Trafficking and Prosecution of Traffickers’ and an
SOP for Indo -Bangladesh Transnational Referral Mechanism (IB-TRM). These are to be signed
at a convenient time.

USA:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained proactively engaged with the US State Department
before and after publication of ‘Trafficking in Persons Report-2013’, particularly Bangladesh
chapter. The State Department consulted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on several occasions
when the latter presented its views on Bangladesh’s position on issues relating to Human
Trafficking in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh Chapter of the Report, while highlighting the measures
and initiatives, both at national and international level, taken by the Government to make the
recruiting Agents responsible, it has been identified that human -trafficking mainly takes place
due to the fraudulent recruitment of labor migrants by some corrupt recruiting Agents, sub-
Agents and brokers in Bangladesh and abroad. The report highlights several aspects of the
Government’s counter trafficking initiatives including bilateral (G2G) arrangements with
Malaysia, anti-trafficking law, awareness programme initiated in cooperation with Civil Society
organizations and anti-trafficking training provided by the Government to the concerned public
officials and law enforcement personnel.
National Level:
At the national level, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the nodal Ministry, the Ministry
Home Affairs, and other relevant Ministries/ Departments was substantively engaged in
implementing the comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation - Human Trafficking Deterrence
and Suppression Act -2012 (Act No.32 of 2012), and the National Plan of Action 2012 -2014 .

Role of Bangladesh Missions abroad:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, time to time send general guidelines to all Bangladesh Missions
in order to address issues relating to Human Trafficking, protection of trafficking victims and
ensure prosecution of the perpetrators. The directives include extending assistance to victims of
trafficking and identifying and help prosecuting perpetrators of trafficking. Bangladesh
Embassies continue to operate safe houses in key destination countries to protect the victims of
trafficking.

Bangladesh’s Missions abroad remain sensitized about the human -trafficking issue and try to
extend special attention to the victim of human trafficking. A shelter for female Bangladeshi
domestic workers fleeing abusive employers in KSA, is operating in Riyadh Mission.

4.4 Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE)

The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE) is responsible to
create employment opportunities at abroad, management of migration process, ensuring welfare
and protection of rights of migrants at home and abroad. The Ministry has adopted a series of
effective measures to reinforce legal migration through the following strategies:
a) Expansion of overseas employment through exploring new labour market and retaining
existing market.
b) Enduring overall welfare of the expatriates.
c) Human Resource Development through competency -based training according to demand of
local and overseas labour market.
d) Motivation for sending remittance of expatriates to the country through legal channels.

Beside these efforts, lots of initiatives have been taken to digitize the migration management
process to ensure transparency and accountability in this sector.

Vigilance Task Force:

Under the Monitoring and Enforcement Wing of the Ministry an inter -ministerial and inter-
agency Vigilance Task Force (VTF) has been formed in July, 2010 which is responsible to
monitor the legal migration process and ensure accountability and transparency of Recruiting
Agencies and prevent illegal practice in labour migration process. The Joint Secretary
(Monitoring & Enforcement) of the Ministry is the head of the VTF and it comprises with 17
representatives from respective ministries and agencies such as MoHA, MoFA, MoC&T,
MoWCA, BMET, Bangladesh Police, BGB, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Ansar-VDP, RAB, NSI,
IOM, WINROCK, BAlRA, ATAB etc.

From the very outset of the formation of VTF, a series of successful operations have been
conducted to identify illegal migration. In the similar manner VTF raided/visited 12 times at
Hazrat Shajalal International Airport in 2013. During these raids a number of passengers were
captured for bearing illegal and forged documents. Subsequently, VTF filed 2 cases at
Cantonment and Ramna Thana for such illegal migration activities. One International NGO,
WINROCK is designing new work plan and providing relevant technical supports in order to
strengthen VTF. Moreover, IOM is also supporting VTF by processing gradation of Recruiting
Agencies and formulating charter of duties for respective members of VTF.

Setting up a Monitoring Cell:

The Ministry is trying to set up a Monitoring Cell under the Monitoring and Enforcement wing.
According to the proposed set up, three Executive Magistrates will be assigned to monitor the
migration process and conduct Mobile Court to ensure safe and legal migration. We hope this
Monitoring Cell will get approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and would be functional
soon.

Regulating the Recruiting Agencies:

The Ministry is the licensing and regulating authority of the private and public (such as
BOESEL) Recruiting Agencies. The main purpose of the regulation is to facilitate the Recruiting
Agencies in creating and expanding job opportunities at abroad for Bangladeshi nationals and to
monitor their activities for preventing exploitation of overseas job seekers.

Under the regulation Ministry has taken different legal actions against a number of Recruiting
Agencies according to the complaints and proper investigation. In 2013, the Ministry has
cancelled licenses of 10 (ten) Recruiting Agencies and confiscated penalized of total Taka 1, 96,
26,000- (One Core Ninety Six Lac and Twenty Six Thousand) only from the agencies.

Introduction of New Law:

A new Act namely, 'Overseas Employment and Migration Act-2013' has been approved in the
Parliament in November, 2013. This act will be helpful to prevent illegal migration as it states
the provision of punishment for any illegal activities in the migration process. Moreover, the new
Act will ensure the rights and privileges of the migrant workers and their family members living
at home and abroad.

4.5 Ministry of Women and Children Affairs

Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MOWCA) is the leading Ministry with respect to the
issues pertaining to Women and Children's right. MOWCA is carrying out several activities and
projects through Department of Women Affairs, one of the implementing agencies of MOWCA's
Programmes and activities at field level. In line with the mandates of MOWCA, Department of
Women Affairs (DWA) plays important roles for empowering women at the grassroots level to
protect their rights, prevent all forms of violence against women and provide social safety net to
the disadvantaged women.

Department of Women Affairs is committed to combat trafficking in women and children

through different programs and activities. There are 16 ,940 women volunteer organizations
under the Department of Women Affairs those are registered under the DWA. At field level
district and Upazila Officers of DWA take initiatives in raising the level of awareness of the
members of these registered organizations about the issue of trafficking through training
programs, community meetings and courtyard meetings. As the member secretary of District
and Upazila level anti-trafficking co -ordination committee, awareness raising campaign against
trafficking in women and children is being carried out by the District and Upazila DWA officers.
Beside those, they try to motivate the members of different committees, beneficiaries of
different safety net programmes, elected members of Union Parishad (UP) and local women in
general. Altogether 9690 community and courtyard meetings were held in district and upazila
level and 5,81,443 people were oriented to combat trafficking in women and children from
January to November 2013.
Every year, DWA & MOWCA observed various days i.e. International Women 's Day, Rokeya
Dibash, Shishu Odhikar Dibash, 16 days activism against gender based violence (25 November-
l0 December). People are oriented and sensitized to combat trafficking in women and children.
An 'Alliance to Combat Trafficking in Women and Children (ACTWC) has been formed under
the leadership of Department of Women Affairs consists of GO, INGO and NGO bodies, prime
initiators and activists to ensure safe migration and combat trafficking in Bangladesh. This
Alliance will address and cover social aspects of trafficking such as information dissemination ,
awareness raising, training, and rehabilitation and provide referral services for victims of
trafficking. An information based resource centre will also be established in DWA by collecting
relevant data, information and other available materials on trafficking. A time bound action plan
has been prepared by the Alliance members for shaping next year's activities. An initiative has
been taken to implement a 3 years (January 2012 -Dec 2014) project by GoB fund to combating
trafficking of women and children and ensure safe migration of women. The program will cover
all Upazilas, Unions of 10 most trafficking prone districts of Bangladesh.

Department of Women Affairs is implementing a Programme named "Empowering Adolescent

girls and boys through organizing them in adolescent club for bringing positive changes within
the communities" from July 2011 to June 2014. This programme covers 7 districts from
7 divisions of the country. 379 adolescent clubs formed in each union in all Upazillas of those
districts. These clubs as well as members of the clubs work as active force for combating
trafficking of women and children.

A private-public partnership program is being implemented by IOM named 'Cafe Mukti'

from 2009. This cafe is rehabilitating trafficked victims for their economic empowerment.
Recently "Cafe Mukti' approach is to be upgradated in collaboration with IOM to set up a
franchise of food outlets where beneficiaries will be able to have ownership of the business an d
generate revenue to support themselves which ultimately will be economic rehabilitation as well
as Empowerment of vulnerable women.

4.6 Ministry of Social Welfare

The Ministry of Social Welfare has drafted The Children Act 2013 in line with The Convention
on the Rights of the Child (CRC) which was approved by the Parliament in August, 2013. The
passing of the act is a great milestone for children in Bangladesh. The confirmation that
everyone under the age of 18 years is legally a child and must stimulate action to ensure that
existing laws on child labour and child marriage are strictly adhered to which are directly
related to child trafficking.

Ministry of Social Welfare has taken initiatives to develop a unified minimum standard care for
victims of trafficking in shelter homes run by both government and non -government agencies. A
meeting has already been held and a core committee consisting of 8 members including
government officials, INGO and NGO representatives to review existing code of conducts of
shelter homes and consolidate them to develop a unified Guideline for minimum standard care
which will help improve quality care to victims of trafficking. The committee will submit the
draft code of conducts for minimum standard care at shelter homes for the victims.

The Ministry of Social Welfare (MoSW) and Department of Social Services (DSS) implemented
programmes relating to publicity, motivation and awareness raising for prevention of trafficking
in women and children at district and upazila levels for the period from 1 January to 20
December 2013 which are given below:

Programmes Target group No. of the No. of people

programmes aware/
motivated
Group Discussion People under poverty line who
and Courtyard received micro -credit and the
Meeting members of the Rural Mother’s 3,377 42,155
Centre at district and upazila
levels
Motivation and People under poverty line who
Awareness Raising received micro -credit, the
jointly organized with members of the Rural Mother’s
4,624 39,763
voluntary Centre and other community
organization and people.
NGOs
Discussion sessions, Target population and other
1,950 22,190
lecture, conference, community people
 rally and posturing
Training service by Members of the voluntary
the Field Supervisor organizations and target
2,577 27,578
of Union Social population
Workers
Total 12,528 131,686

4.7 Ministry of Information

There are many government agencies working under the ministry. It has also authority to
influence in publicity of private print and electronic media and the activities of government
agencies under the ministry are given below:

Bangladesh Television (BTV) have been telecasted two short films/documentaries on

“Increasing People’s Awareness Activities for Combating Human Trafficking” prepared by the
Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Other awareness raising
programmes of BTV includes:

(a) Special pro grammes in observance of the “International Human Rights Day”.
(b) Special programmes on “Combating Human Trafficking”.
(c) “Exploration” programmes.
(d) “Drama on Children and Women Development Communications Activities”.
(e) Programmes titled “Despite I dream”
(f) Filler Programmes on “Combating Human Trafficking”.
(g) Filler Programmes on “Early Marriage”.

Bangladesh Betar, the state owned radio has been broadcasted various programmes on the
issues of human trafficking to create awareness among people in general especially vulnerable
women and girls in remote villages. The programmes have been broadcasted from 1 January to
20 December 2013 are given below:

Aim/ Total No. of

Kinds of Program objective Aired
Sl. Target
(Program Format) of the Program on Comments
No Group
Program Human
Trafficking
01 Slogan, Folk song (Jari, General To Create 5,124 Bangladesh Betar (BB)
Gomvira Kabigan etc) people awareness (Five broadcast programmes on
motivational song, and thousand one human trafficking on
special song, Spot, motivation hundred and priority basis. 12 regional
 Jingle, Drama, radio among the twenty four) stations and 6 specialized
cartoon, documentary, people units of Bangladesh Betar
dialogue, talk show and broadcast programs in
discussions etc. this issue regularly.

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS): Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha published reports of

various workshops and seminars held at home and abroad on the issues of human trafficking,
violence against women and children. A workshop held on 17 March 2013 jointly organized by
Judicial Administration and Training Institute and IOM on “Prevention of Violence against
women”. Reports also published on a 28-day long foundation training programme held at the
regional Training centre of Ansar-VDP in Naohata under Paba Upazila of Rajshahi district for
the Union level team leaders (both male and females) of Ansar-VDP. In the training special
attention was given on all sorts of social crimes, curses and superstitions, such as eve-teasing,
human trafficking, gender disparity, drug addiction and sexual harassment.

Department of Films and Publications: This department has already made a documentary
titled “Ondhokare Alor Disha (Silver lining in the Dark)” & `FERA' on women and children
trafficking. In that line 10 (ten) more newsreels and special news reels may be made upon
approval of the Administrative Ministry. This two documentary (70 copies per films) screening
through department of Mass Communication for grassroots level mass people and this
documentary film sent to Bangladesh Television as well as different private channel for
screening.

This Department has three regular publications (a) Fortnightly is Sachitra Bangladesh (b)
Monthly Nabarun (c) Bangladesh Quarterly (d) and Adhoc Publications. In ‘Sachitra
Bangladesh’ 18 reports on women are being published on regular basis. Moreover, articles
regarding women -freedom, women and children trafficking, news features on violence against
women are published. In Sachitra Bangladesh, special issues have been brought out from time to
time on different subjects like dowry, preventing women and children trafficking, policies for
exporting house maid, laws on women, violence against women and female children, elimination
of discrimination against women etc. Printed copies of each issue were distributed to the grass
root level through Department of Mass Communication.

In the monthly juvenile publication ‘Nabarun’, a special report titled ‘(Shishu -Kishor
Ghotonapanji (Facts and news on youths) is published regularly where 15 important government
publicity regarding child torture prevention and women and child trafficking is presented in a
positive manner. In these regular and ad -hoc publications news, features, articles, analytical
write -ups, poems on human trafficking are published. Those printed copies are distributed at all
ministries, different govt. organizations, primary school, college, madrasa and university levels
besides public libraries and press clubs.
Department of Mass Communication: Department of Mass Communication under the Ministry
of information is the largest field publicity based organization in Bangladesh. It conveys
messages of the Government of Bangladesh to the people concerning socio-economic issues and
services as a link between the Government aand the mass people. The mode and techniques of
activities of the Department a re diversified. Among those: Film Shows through Multi-media
Projector, Folk song, Street Announcement/slogan, Community Meeting, Orientation workshop,
Women gathering, Distribution of Posters/booklets/books, d iscussion/seminar, drama, rally, fair,
essay/art/debate competition etc.

The Department has no specific mass campaign plan on trafficking due to fund constraints. In
spite of that, the District Information officer s address the trafficking issues with its regular
activities. In addition to this, the film show on this issue is being carried out by the District
Information officers in each month. During the year 2013, the Department screened documentary
films at 2,720 different remote places of the country to make community people aware about
human trafficking issues. The films titled Fera , Ondhokare Alor Disha and Becha -Kena made by
the Department of Films and Publications were screened.

Press Information Department (PID): The main function of the Press Information Department
(PID) is to arrange news and photo coverage of all development activities of the Government.
PID publishes features, articles, cartoons and slogans etc regularly in the national dailies. PID
has published features, articles on the Prevention of Human Trafficking, but we put emphasis on
making our regular handouts on the above issue and others. In the calendar year 2013 this
Department has issued many features on Women Development and Women empowerment in the
national dailies

4.8 Ministry of Religious Affairs:

Islamic Foundation: Islamic Foundation under the Ministry of Religious Affairs created mass-
awareness, motivation and sensitization programmes through 64 District offices, 7 Imam
Training Centre and 31 Islamic Mission Centres for combating human trafficking.
During the period from 1 January to 20 December 2013, the issue of human trafficking is also
discussed in monthly upazila coordination meeting, in the classes of mosque-based mass
educational programmes as well as in training sessions of Imam Training Academy. Moreover,
Imams of the mosques disseminated the messages to the rural people through such 17,450
gatherings as Jumma prayers, Milad, Waz Mahfils etc.

4.9 Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME):

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME) is mandated to ensure
education for all in Bangladesh. Although primarily responsible for providing
education, the MoPME has also been playing a vital role to support counter trafficking
initiatives as well. This is done mainly through motivation and awareness creation.
Children are especially vulnerable to traps laid out by the traffickers. Therefore,
raising awareness among the school children at an early age is considered an
effective mode of the fight against human trafficking.

In accordance with the national policy of the MoHA, the issue of preserving women
and child rights and protecting them from trafficking is discussed regularly in district
primary education coordination meeting, Upazila/Thana education committee meeting,
sub-cluster training, teacher's monthly coordination meeting, SME meeting and
parent's-teacher s association meeting. Primary Teacher Training Institutes (PTI) are
also playing significant role during certificate in education (C -in-Ed) and other
training courses and workshops organised the PTIs and Upazilla resource centers
(URCs). The main objective of this is to make all stakeholders, especially parents and
local women, aware of the detrimental effects of trafficking in 'women and children.
The Divisional Deputy Director offices under the MoPME collect monthly reports on
these activities which are compiled and sent to the MoHA regularly.

School teachers can play an important role in creating awareness among poor and
disadvantaged people about the dangers of trafficking. Therefore, teachers are
instructed to involve and actively participate in the campaign against trafficking as part
of their routine responsibility and it is monitored regularly through feedback and
reporting.

Traffickers allure the women and children by offering them job opportunities with
higher salaries abroad. To protect the children and their families from such traps the
MoPME has introduced stipend program for the poor and disadvantaged children to
attract them to the school.

As a result of all these efforts, Bangladesh has been able to achieve significant success
in combating trafficking in women and children in recent years.

5. NGO Activities to Combat Human Trafficking

5.1 Association for Community Development (ACD)

Association for Community Development (ACD) has been implementing its programs on n orth-
western part of Bangladesh. ACD’s goal is to achieve the rights of people, especially the
disadvantaged and vulnerable women, adolescent and children at grassroots levels through
improving their socio -economic, political and cultural status, ensuring social justice and good
governance by developing community care support mechanisms. ACD has evolved as a
pioneering organization to holistically address the issue of trafficking in persons, particularly for
the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation and addresses gender injustice and violence
against women and children.

ACD works towards three thematic areas: (i) Human Rights, (ii) Good Governance, and (iii)
Sustainable Development. ACD has received the 2001 Anti-Slavery Award from the UK human
rights organization, Anti-Slavery International and is being honoured for its outstanding work
against human trafficking in Bangladesh.

ACD has been implementing a project titled ‘Community mobilization and awareness to combat
human trafficking at the extreme border belt of Rajshahi division’ with the support of U.S.
Department of States, Embassy of Dhaka. The overall goal
of the project is to empower potential children and young
women vulnerable to trafficking through awareness raising
with special focus on health and education on safe
migration.

Shelter services: ACD runs two shelter homes namely

Anondomoth for the victims of cross border and internal
trafficking, raped/gang raped victims, victims of
commercial sexual exploitation unmarried mother, acid
violence, domestic violence and vulnerable to prostitution/trafficking since 1999.

The rescued and repatriated victims are provided with

accommodation, psycho -social counselling, medical tests and
treatment, legal aid, formal and non -formal education, life
skills and empowerment training and class, performance-based
confidence-building, vocational training and internship and/or
job placements, provision of ‘seed money’ for small business
start-up and follow-up for a minimum of six months to a year
to ensure sustainable reintegration. Based on survivor age and preferences at the time of rescue,
ACD assisted in immediate return after successful completion of trainings to community and/or
handover to families

Significant Achievements:
 § Orientation programs organized on The Human Trafficking Deterrence and Suppression
Act 2012 with police officials, public prosecutors and journalists for trafficking case
filling at district level.
§ 80 survivors referred by court, police station and local elected bodies were sent to ACD
shelter home for care and support.
§ The life skill of 150 survivors increased addressing their human rights, social and
personal issues and vulnerabilities life sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking
including STD and HIV/ AIDS.
§ 50 survivors were provided with vocational training according to their livelihood choices.
§ Training to 20 survivors was provided on social integration programming and peer
education technique.
§ Coordination meeting held with employers, social workers and service providers for job
placement.
§ Strengthened Counter Trafficking Committee involving local elected bodies to promote
safe migration and combat human trafficking and involvement in rescue and reintegration
of the survivors.
§ Community campaign arranged on preventing trafficking in persons and promotion of
safe migration in border belt areas with experiential youths, potential migrants, women,
survivors and CBOs through courtyard meetings and mobile anti-trafficking massages
dissemination workshop.
§ Meeting held with school management committee and teachers on causes and
consequences of human trafficking and developed school peer volunteer to act as change
makers (age group 16-18).

5.2 Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association

Since three decades, Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers’ Association (BNWLA) is fighting
to create equal opportunities and equal rights for every woman and child in the country. The
programs and service provisions of BNWLA are particularly targeted at the poorest and most
disadvantaged areas of the country.

Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers’ Association (BNWLA) has been working to fight against
human trafficking in Bangladesh for last three decades as a pioneer human rights organization in
Bangladesh. The organization has also been working to provide legal assistance to ensure rights
of trafficked victims, migrant workers and their family especially for woman and children
through delivering legal aid, psychosocial support, shelter support, rescue/release, repatriation,
research on various issues on safe migration, trafficking and especially for women and children.
Capacity building of relevant stakeholder and advocacy for reform/amendment/enactment of
laws and policies are the main interventions of BNWLA.

BNWLA has been playing a vital role within the Government-NGO national coordination
committee to stop human trafficking. BNWLA worked closely with Ministry of Home Affairs
(MoHA) in navigation and implementation committee for formulated the comprehensive law
entitled “The Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act 2012”. The organization
has worked to revise the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Indo -Bangladesh with the
objective of strengthening the process of rescue, repatriation, rehabilitation and integration of
trafficked women and children. BNWLA has also provides technical support to the alliance that
has been set up by the Director General of the Department of Women Affairs for combating
trafficking in women and children.

Achievements of the year 2013

In the reporting year, BNWLA has organized a regional level workshop with the distinguished
delegates from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh about “Good Practices on Support Services for
Victims of Trafficking and Violence” in Dhaka, Bangladesh in order to share good practices,
disseminate information, provide feedback and recommendations on the draft Minimum
Standards of Care for Victims of Trafficking and Violence, and formulate an action plan to
improve support services provided to trafficked victims.

Workshop on “Implementation of Human

Workshop on “Good practices on Support
Trafficking& Suppression Act, 2012:
Services for Victims of Trafficking and Violence
Challenges & Recommendations”

Additionally, a national workshop has also been conducted on “Implementation of Human

Trafficking Deterrence & Suppression Act, 2012: Challenges & Recommendations” with
objective to explore the loopholes, challenges, obstacles and collecting recommendation to make
the Act more compatible for the beneficiaries. The participants were from police/ law enforcing
agencies, lower court practioners, public prosecutor’s office and private legal professionals from
NGOs working in the field of TIP, journalists who had shared their opinion and evaluation, on
this burning contexts based upon their experiences and wisdom.

Simultaneously in 2013, BNWLA rescued and released a huge number of victims of trafficking
from various confinements such as police station, brothel, cage brothel, safe custody etc within
the country. The organization also has repatriated trafficked victims from India, Jordan and
Quarter rehabilitated with access to standard care and services like counselling, medical support,
life skill and vocational training, education -formal, in -formal and reintegrated them into society.
Along with these supports, BNWLA provided comprehensive legal assistance to the victim of
trafficking to ensure access to justice and strengthen prosecution.

The new trafficking law authorizes different departments within the GOB to certify victims of
severe forms of trafficking in persons, making these individuals eligible for benefits and support
services. However, the Act does not provide any further specification or minimum standards for
the care of victims of trafficking. To that end, BNWLA has compiled draft Minimum Standards
of Care for Victims of Trafficking and Violence. These Minimum Standards would apply to any
organization providing services to a victim of trafficking in Bangladesh, including those
providing services to victims during rescue, repatriation, reintegration, or legal assistance,
regardless of whether the victim is residing in a shelter, at home, or in any other type of
residence to ensure that all victims of trafficking receive the same high standard of care
throughout Bangladesh.

A child registration system database has established by BNWLA in the 14 LGIs (Ward 9 and 10
of Dhaka City Cooperation, Ward 6 and 7 of Jessore Municipality, 4 Unions under Sharsha
Upazila, Ward 9 and 10 of Barisal City Cooperation and 4 Unions under Barisal Sadar Upazila)
and all LGI members get oriented through 2 days long training on the use of the registration
system. 6,000 children get registered themselves among them 2608 migrated children and 3,392
children are at risk of migration. The ID card printing is in process. ID card distribution will be
start from December 2013. 6 (Darussalam Police Station, Benapole Port Police Station, Sharsha
Police Station, Jessore Police Station, Barisal Kotwali Police Station and Barisal Port Police
Station) selected police stations representatives have also oriented on the use of registration
system during this reporting period.

BNWLA works on prevention, protection & prosecution as approaches of intervention for

operating anti-human trafficking initiatives. The major achievements of BNWLA in the year
2013 are given below:

Prevention: Awareness Raising and Sensitization Activities

Activity Total Achievement

Learning session with school teacher on child protection issues 20
Learning session with parents on good parenting at community
61
level
Child protection related trainings 4
Meeting with child network members 72
Sharing meeting with LEB representatives, LEA
37
(Police/Ansar/VDP)
Local level judicial & LEA on child friendly legal procedure 2
Advocacy workshop for policy adoption and formulation at
1
national level
Coordination meeting with Local government 33
Community based awareness sessions on the risk of unsafe
143
child migration
Community based awareness campaigns on the risk of unsafe
43
child migration
Press conferences on unsafe migration and benefit registration
16
system
Courtyard session at community level through CWGs for
1764
promotion of the registration system

Protection: Rescue/Release and Repatriation of survivors of trafficking

Activity Total Achievement

Rescue/release 170
Repatriation 235
Reintegration 225
Livelihood support/job placement 10
Shelter support 230

Prosecution: Trafficking related cases

Activity Total Achievement

Number of cases lodged 17
Trafficker arrested 21
Case under investigation 15
Charge sheet 15
Case on trial 17

BNWLA established 56 community information centres to increase the knowledge of

community members on access to services offered by LGIs (Social safety net and social
protection schemes). Among them 42 centres are located at community level and 14 are located
in rural and urban union or ward complexes. The centre consists of one room, one display board
for information regarding available services in the areas from LGIs, Government and NSA as
well as other documents related to unsafe child migration. In front of each centre a signboard has
been installed with different types of information regarding safety net and social protection
schemes.

To run the community information centre, one committee consisting of 11 members have been
formed, and one volunteer has been selected for each centre by the communities and these
volunteers are reportable to the community. The centre is open 4- 6 hours every working day.
Community people became aware about access and availability of safety nets and social
protection and legal services. Community people also get information regarding the child
migration registration from the community information centres and enrolled their children who
are at risk of migration or already migrated. Local NSAs are getting involved in the community
information centres by operating some community based activities.

Factors behind success

• Entire rescue process (by local police) had followed the judgment of Prerana versus
State of Maharashtra case.
• Initial screening was done
• Access to basic needs and information ensured following SOP
• Age determined
• Family assessed
• Formal procedure for repatriation followed
• Arranged safe physical transportation
• Post repatriation comprehensive supports provided
• Legal support delivered
• Multi agencies cooperation received

5.3 Centre for Women and Children Studies

Centre for Women and Children Studies (CWCS) has been working as a research and advocacy
women and child rights organization since 1994 especially addressing the issues related to
trafficking in women, adolescent girls and children. Presently, the Centre has also been working
to provide healthcare services with free medical treatment and medicines through referral system
between Information Health Booth and hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare in Satkhira district. CWCS is also conducting advocacy to integrate quality healthcare
services in government hospitals for the victims to save victims from stigmatization and ensure
the social integration of victims/survivors into the mainstream society. CWCS conducted
research on various women and children issues, with special focus on trafficking as well as
migration for policy advocacy to bring about changes in the existing laws, government measures
and interventions.
CWCS has been active member of the various committees and have been working closely with
the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Centre is member of GO-NGO National Coordination
Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, Convenor of Sub -Committee in preparing the
Bangladesh Country Reports to Combat Human Trafficking and Draft Sub -Committee in
formulating the three years National Plan of Action for Combating Human Trafficking 2012-
2014 as well as the implementing partner of the NPA. CWCS is also a member of the alliance
that has been set up by the Director General of the Department of Women Affairs for combating
trafficking in women and children. CWCS is also working with the Ministry of Expatriates’
Welfare and Overseas Employment to promote safe migration and reduce human trafficking. At
the local level, CWCS is the member of the Satkhira district level Counter Trafficking
Committee (CTC) since June 2011 and also member of Kaliganj CTC since September 2011 as
well as Debhata, Kalaroa and Satkhira Sadar upazila’s CTC in Satkhira district since July 2012.
The Centre has initiated various counter-trafficking projects namely “Integrated Health Service
Oriented Referral System for Victims of Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation and those in
vulnerable situation” (From March 2012- December 2013, including extension); Gateway to
Employment and Economic Empowerment for Survivors of Trafficking (January 2013 -December
2013). CWCS also prepared a Training Module on Human Trafficking for Law Enforcing
Officials and Public Prosecutors during June-September 2013 with the technical support of
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh and financial support of UNODC.
CWCS also conducted a Study on Issues in prevention and rescue operation of cross border child
trafficking and roles of Law Enforcing Agencies (BGB, Police and BSF) in Jessore and Satkhira
districts” during October- December 2013 under the project Missing Child Alert (MCA) with
financial support of Plan International Bangladesh .

Major activities and strategies being undertaken by CWCS during 2013

Prevention initiatives:

Activities Strategies and participation

Specialized hotline services About 3,753 mobile calls received from victims, victims’
family members, police, BGB, community watch
committees’ members, health service providers, One Stop
Crisis Cell (OCC) and Voluntary Counselling and Testing
(VCT) working at Satkhira Sadar hospital, NGOs,
government officials and community people and attended
through specialized hotline services. Hotline services helps
to interact among duty bearers and right holders as well as
service providers to expedite services to victims.
Posters and Hotline cards designed, About 5,000 posters and 8,000 hotline cards were
developed, printed an d distributed designed, developed, printed and distributed in all
awareness raising and advocacy meetings, victims and
their family members.
Designing and hosting of 4 Hosted 4 billboards at 3 Upazila Health Complexes and
billboards
Community awareness meetings
Anti-trafficking and health risks
awareness school campaigns
Vulnerable women awareness Organized 20 Vulnerable women awareness meetings
meetings with micro -credit being attended by 892 women of micro -credit women
women, Vulnerable Group groups.
Development (VGD) women,
Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF)
women card holders and Rural
Employment Opportunities for
Public Assets (REOPA) women
workers
Protection initiatives:
Activities
Healthcare services with
counselling services for victims
of trafficking and sexual
exploitation at the Niramoy
Information Health Booth
Satkhira Sadar hospital in Satkhira district in June 2013
with messages on health risks and consequences of
trafficking and sexual exploitation.
52 Community Awareness Meetings were organized in 34
communities of 20 unions under 4 upazials in Satkhira
district. About 40,571 community people including 17,025
men, 14,090 women and 9,456 adolescents and children
were sensitized about health risks and consequences of
victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation and those in
vulnerable situation through folk song on human
trafficking presented by folk artists.
Organized 35 anti-trafficking and health risks awareness
school campaigns being attended by 3,653 students among
whom 2,531 boys and 1,122 girls.
Strategies and participation
About 196 victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation
and those in vulnerable situation received free healthcare
services at the Information Health Booth from January -
December 2013. About 180 victims were fully cured and 16
victims were under follow-up medical treatment. 2 HIV

Transit shelter facility within the
Information Health Booth
Counselling services
Income Generating Activities
Motivational and Sensitization
Workshops with 15 police
officails of 4 poilce stations
namely Debhata, Kaliganj,
Kalaroa and Satkhira Sadar in
Satkhira distirct
Follow-up meeings with police
officails of 4 poilce stations
namely Debhata, Kaliganj,
Kalaroa and Satkhira Sadar in
Satkhira distirct
Achievements of CWCS:
positive victims identified and referred to Mukta Akash
Bangladesh at Khulna. Victims have become more wilful to
receive healthcare services in confidential environ ment.
56 victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation stayed on
an average two -three days in the transit shelter facility. The
survivors were from Satkhira and other districts namely
Dhaka, Chittagong, Madaripur, Rangpur, Jessore,
Nilphamari and Dinajpur were rescued in Satkhira and
referred by police, concerned government officials, health
service providers and CWC members. They were provided
with nutritious food, healthcare services, recreation
facilities, health education, made aware about the issues of
trafficking and sexual exploitation and safe return to home.
During the period, two counsellors provided counselling
services to victims of trafficking, sexual exploitation and
domestic violence both at IHB and Satkhira Sadar hospital.
188 victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation received
counselling services till December 2013 and recovered
from mental health problems.
In June 2013, 25 victims of trafficking and sexual
exploitation who had received healthcare services at IHB
were imparted with 3 day training on goat and duck rearing
of whom 10 victims (2 goats each victim) were provided
with goats and 15 victims (10 ducks each victim) were
given ducks. CWCS also support with medicines and food
for those goats and ducks.
60 police officails inluding women police of 4 poilce
stations namely Debhata, Kaliganj, Kalaroa and Satkhira
Sadar in Satkhira distirct were sensitized on health risks
and consequnces of victims of trafficking and sexual
exploitation.
12 Follow-up meeings were orgnaized. CWCS bear
expenses of medical test of victims at Satkhira Sadar
hospital referred by police officals and police officals are
encouaged to supprt victims. They also referred victims
transit shelter faclity of CWCS.
• In July 2013, the authority of Satkhira Sadar hospital has handed over a room to CWCS to
provide counselling services to the victims of trafficking, sexual exploitation and those in
vulnerable situation as well as necessary medicines which are not available at Sadar hospital.
CWCS counsellor provided counselling services to 67 victims of trafficking and sexual
exploitation and those in vulnerable situation.
• Cooperation developed with OCC, VCT, office of social service at Sadar hospital and above
all with health service providers to develop women friendly especially victim -friendly
environment in hospital.
• Multi-sectoral referral system has got shape with active participation of CWC members,
doctors, nurses, police officials, journalists, Department of Social Service, Satkhira and
District and upazila level Women Affairs office and NGOs in providing healthcare services,
legal aid, shelter services and rehabilitation and reintegration in the community.
• Unidentified victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation were identified and received
necessary healthcare services
• Health service providers of Satkhira Sadar Hospital and Upazila Health Complexes are
sensitized to provide healthcare services to the victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation
• Community based prevention and protection system developed in some areas in Satkhira
district and 20 victims of trafficking rescued
• Victims received confidential healthcare services at Information Health Booth and
encouraged other victims to receive such healthcare services.

5.4 Dhaka Ahsania Mission

Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) as an active partner of the civil society in Bangladesh,
recognizes the role it can play in undertaking various measures against trafficking in women and
children and accordingly in September 1997, DAM initiated the Child and women Trafficking
Prevention (CWTP in short) programme for the reduction of trafficking as well as for the
repatriation, reintegration and rehabilitation of the survivors of trafficking. Goal of CWTP is to
empowering the community to promote a safe living environment for the poor women and
children and thus ensure their human rights. DAM has almost two decades of experience in
working in the field of trafficking prevention programs and DAM’s overall activities can be
divided in three categories which are: Prevention, Protection (Support to the survivor’s for
rehabilitation), limited prosecution services and Repatriation.

Currently three anti trafficking projects are being

implemented by Dhaka Ahsania Mission in
prevention trafficking and missing incidents as
well as promoting protection of survivors
including their reintegration in the society. The
activities under the project are given below:

Prevention initiatives: Drama at boikari union satkhira on 7th July 2013

Activities Achievements

Rescued/released victims and 248 trafficked survivors referred by Child Protection Group
enrolled in shelter home under MCA project, partner organizations Rights Jessore,
Jagarani Chakra Foundation, Savior, World Vision
Bangladesh and from court also.
Repatriation DAM regularly communicated with the NGOs, shelter home
of different states of India for repatriation of 17 trafficked
victims through the RRRI Task Force of Bangladesh and
India. During this period, repatriation process for 6
Bangladeshi including women, girl child and boy are ongoing
under RRRI Task Force cell of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Among them one girl repatr iated through Benapole border.
Child Protection Groups formed 200 Child Protection Groups (CPG) formed at ward and union
in 20 unions under 5 upazilas in level in 20 unions of the project area consisting of 4,000
Jessore and Satkhira and members including member of Gonokendra/CRC, Union
Parishad chairman and members, students, teachers, BGB
officials, village police, club member with gender balance to
build a child protection mechanism for missing/trafficked
child at community level.

10 Youth Media Groups Folk song and folk dramas reached above 20,000 community
(YMGs) formed in 20 unions people to create awareness about child trafficking, child
and open Air Theatre’; folk marriage, child abuse and child protection
songs and folk drama)
performed
Stakeholders’ Advocacy 200 high level government officials and NGO representatives.
workshop on “Online birth A joint action plan developed to mobilize mass people in the
registration” held at two community and to take actions to ensure 100% online birth
districts (Deputy registration in all unions within December 2014.
Commissioner’s Office)

Protection initiatives:

The survivors received in the Shelter Home provided a comprehensive service packages
considering their needs and choices mentioned below:

Service packages Implementation

Basic Services
Health Service including
mental health care
197 Survivors who enrolled in Shelter Home received basic
services of safe accommodation, food and clothes.
98 survivors received health support and all the survivors
received primary health care and also referred to Smiling Sun
and provided immediate health care as per necessary etc 35
survivors were provided with individual and group counselling.
 Among them 33 were female and 02 (transit home) were males.
Education 197 based on the assessment, 187 survivors received Non - formal
education while 10 received formal education support. Peer
educator conducted non formal education classes and
assessments were done in every month for determining the
progress of the survivors by the peer educator and home mothers.
Life Skill Training 149 survivors received life skills trainings through 8 batches.
Peer survivors along with Shelter Staffs facilitated the training
and therefore all the trainings were very interactive and fruitful
for them.
Legal Assistance 208 survivors received legal counselling and victim received
legal support in 25 cases received from the court.
Partnership 7 MOU were signed with 8 different organizations namely
Shima Handicraft, Sumon Computers, SMC , Smiling sun, Ad -
din , Malek Driving center on to provide jobs, vocational skills
trainings and create job opportunity for the eligible survivors.
Reintegration of the 241 survivors were integrated during the last one year of whom
survivors 84 were integrated in their families. About 17 were provided
jobs, 2 were provided internship opportunity,10 in small
business, 5 in tailoring, 20 survivors in d agriculture, 2 survivors
in medicine shop and 1 received sanitation support. Survivors
were reintegrated as per the integration & exit strategy plan of
each survivor. Before the integration of the survivors, especially
in the families, both their families were counselled and the
survivors were given an orientation of the community situation.
Follow Up 145 survivors were followed -up after reintegration and job
placement. Based on the follow up report..

5.5 Rights Jessore

From its very inception, Rights Jessore (RJ) has been playing a significant role in protecting and
promoting human rights in Bangladesh during the last two decades and continued its efforts to
prevent human trafficking and implemented various anti-trafficking activities to combat cross
border trafficking for sexual exploitation and labour trafficking. The overall activities of Rights
Jessore are broadly categorized in 3 major components namely prevention, protection and
prosecution.

Prevention initiatives:

Activity Total Achievement

Project Inception Meeting of
the project entitled “Reducing
Human Trafficking from the
Project Working Communities
and Support Trafficking
Survivors to Restore their
Lives” at Jessore on 12
September 2013.
Develop and Print Booklet
Installation of Billboard
Capacity Building Training
Orientation of VDP and
village police
Community mobilization
meeting
Street Drama
The meeting was attended by 41 participants including the
Deputy Commissioner (DC),, other district level higher
government officials, local government representatives,
journalists, lawyers and victims of the trafficking and s people
who fall in prey to the unauthorized intermediates link with
labour migration. Project goals and objectives were shared and
get feedback as suggestions and recommendations for better
implementation of the project
Developed and printed 5,000 copies of booklet and distributed
among targeted people to raise mass awareness on the issues of
human trafficking.
Installed of 32 billboards containing of anti-human trafficking
and safe migration messages.
Organized 48 union level capacity building training on human
trafficking issues at Jessore and Satkhira districts among 1,050
(565 were women, 325 were man and 160 were children)
participants including lawyers, members of counter trafficking
women forum (CTWF), member of girls guide and boys scouts,
teachers, members of locally elected bodies (LEB).
Organized 5 orientation sessions with 100 (46 were man and 54
were women) members of Village Defence Party (VDP) and
village police to raise awareness about the grave consequences
of human trafficking and their role to prevent it.
Organized 48 community mobilizations meeting with 852
vulnerable community people including 172 men and 680
women.
Organized one (1) Street drama at the grassroots level to raise
mass awareness on anti-trafficking issue among about 800
community people.
Protection initiatives:

Activity Total Achievement

Hotline Mobile service
During the reporting period, Rights Jessore received 353 calls
through hotline mobile services from different parts of the
community related to the messages of human trafficking cases;
human rights related matter and undertook appropriate
measures.

Rescue Rescued 5 child victims of human trafficking with the help of

police and local authority during the reporting period.

Repatriation Facilitated repatriation of 210 victims (176 women, 32 children

and 2 men) of cross-border trafficking and unsafe migration
from India. Rights Jessore also repatriated 29 Bangladeshi
Nationals from Bandar Abbas, Iran who was victims of labour
trafficking. Undertook necessary initiatives of home
identification of 120 trafficked survivors and requested the
Ministry of Home Affairs for issuance of their deportation order
for all cases of 120 women.

Reintegration of Trafficked Rights Jessore reintegrated 215 victims of trafficking in their

Victims families who were repatriated from India.

Coordination meeting with Judiciaries Advocate Kamrul Islam, Honorable State

Jessore Minister of Law Justice & Parliamentary Affairs,
Prosecution initiatives:

Activity Total Achievement

National level Advocacy Organized a National Level Advocacy Workshop at Dhaka

Workshop with 65 (59 were male and 6 were female) national as well as
local level stakeholders including higher officials of concerned
ministry, RRRI task force members, member of law enforcing
agencies. The main objectives of the workshop were to
improve the prosecutorial process to ensure justice as well as
to strengthen the RRRI task force mechanism.

Coordination Meeting with
Judges and others
Organized 6 Coordination meetings with 120 (97 were man
and 23 were women) personnel including Judges, relevant
court Inspectors, public prosecutors, bench assistant and other
stakeholder at Jessore and Satkhira districts with a view to
advocate on the issue of improvement of prosecutorial process
of trafficking.

Special Orientation Session Organized two special orientation sessions at Narail and
with the Investigation Officer Satkhira districts with 33 male investigation officers of
Bangladesh police to sensitize them with regard to the cases of
trafficking in persons in light of newly enacted TIP law 2012.

Orientation Session with Organized 2 orientation sessions with 29 Lawyers (26 were
Lawyers man and 3 were women) with an objective to orient and
sensitize them to deal with trafficking cases in light of newly
enacted TIP Law 2012.

5.6 UDDIPAN

UDDIPAN as its mandate has been trying to accommodate different development activities with
its core development initiatives. These two major programs are; Social Development Program
(SDP) and Micro Finance Program (MDP). Social development program consists of
development endeavours related with different initiatives undertaken with regard to the increase
community people’s awareness and bring positive change to behavioural change of community
people especially on lower segment of inhabitants. Human trafficking is a very crucial issue in
terms of protecting human rights situation in and out of the country. UDDIPAN have a deeper
concentration on the issue as being a development and protection issue.
UDDIPAN has undertaken below activities to prevent human trafficking in 2013:

Activity Achievement
Formation and regular meeting of During the timeframe under the Rural Urban Child
Community Watchdog Committee
Formal and Informal Education
Program
Community Institutions/
organizations and Cultural and
Mass Cam paign Program
Awareness raising meetings
Migration Project (RUCMP) carried on a total of 180
Community Watch Dog Group (CWGs) at its four
different locations in the country to concentrating on
establishing child rights especially to protect migrant
children from risks of trafficking through awareness
rising meeting. A total 373 Community Watch dog
meetings held with participation of 9113 community
people.
Organized 8 meetings at 8 formal schools with 240
teachers, students and relevant others. In addition, project
practiced its 170 awareness raising activities by its non
formal education programme with 12262 participants
discussed keenly and elaborately on trafficking impacts
and its remedial procedures. 30 non formal school has
been regularly organizing among 2678 parents and
guardians meetings also organized in this regard.
UDDIPAN formed in its project areas a total of 362 ( 80-
community information centres, 72 child clubs , 210
watchdog committees) community organizations by the
integral participation of community people and
children. Through these institutions regular meetings,
cultural show and other mass awareness programs have
been organizing and making people sensitize on human
trafficking. A total of 13163 committee members of these
community based organizations involved directly with
the events provided by the self motivated and driven
community based organizations.
In addition to this, UDDIPAN displayed posters on
preventing human trafficking at different access and exit
point of Dhaka City Corporation. A total of 10,000
posters circulated throughout the year.
Parenting and issue based 2043 meetings were held with
35152 of different stakeholders.
Besides, UDDIPAN has been organizing meeting with
Media personnel, law enforcement agency members,
members of local government institutions regular basis.
The events have been holding especially child trafficking
and its bad consequences.
Apart from all efforts UDDIPAN has been involved in different networks relating to human
trafficking especially child trafficking and child rights governance at national level and
international level. UDDIPAN has also good reputation working on human rights. Meanwhile it
has been started to organizing different activities with supports from Bangladesh Human Rights
Commission.

6. Counter Trafficking Activities of INGOs

6.1 International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Prevention:
At Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training
(BMET), IOM established a Document Verification Centre
which verifies visa and passports of potential migrant
workers. This advanced verification unit minimizes chance
of labour trafficking. Besides, IOM organized an
orientation session and press conference for media Media Orientation
personnel in Khulna on the Prevention and Suppression of
Human Trafficking (PSHT) Act 2012.

A booklet on the Easy -Reading & Frequently Asked Questions about PSHT Act 2012 was also
published and disseminated in all the police stations of the country through the Police
Headquarters.
Protection
IOM supported its partner NGO, the Bangladesh National Women’s Lawyers Association
(BNWLA) to provide services to the victims of trafficking including labour trafficking. During
the year 55 victims of trafficking were supported that included transport, shelter, food, medical
and legal support. Apart from this, life skill training was provided to some of them so that they
can earn their livelihood.

With the support from BNWLA, a Regional Workshop was organized on “Good Practices on
Support Services for Victims of Trafficking and Violence” where participants from Nepal and
India joined the host Bangladesh to discuss better support services for the trafficked victims.
Training for Labour Attachés was also organized while a SOP for Diplomatic and Consular
Officials Dealing with Migrant Workers Overseas are also being prepared in consultation with
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, Labour
Attachés and BMET which would be helpful to deal with various issues including labour
trafficking in destination countries.

Prosecution
Like previous years, in 2013 IOM provided trainings for
the law enforcement agencies. A total of 33 Investigation
Officers were trained by IOM on Investigation
Techniques for Human Trafficking and Other
Transnational Organized Crimes.

Besides, a total of 225 Special Branch (Immigration)

Officials were trained by IOM on Human Trafficking and
Migration issues including the legal regime. These Training to LEA

sessions dealt with different aspects of migration

including irregular migration and trafficking and smuggling of human beings.

Orientation for Judges on human trafficking offences were organized in Cox’s Bazaar and
Jessore where a total of 40 judges participated (16 in
Cox’s Bazaar and 24 in Jessore). Also, under the Joint
Programme on Violence Against Women (JP-VAW), a
total of 270 District Judges and 14 Prosecutors were
provided orientation training to address issues related to
violence against women which includes trafficking of
women and girls.

IOM also provided support to its NGO partner BNWLA

to organize workshop on Implementation of Prevention Workshop on Imple mentation of the
PSHT Act 2 0 12
and Suppression of Human Trafficking (PSHT) Act
2012 where a good number of lawyers and judges
actively took part.

IOM has compiled a study on “Leading Judgments on Human Trafficking Offences” which
contains 11 landmark judgments given on human trafficking offences. This compilation contains
both the original and appellate judgments, in which either convictions or acquittals were ordered.
The compilation also contains relevant and perspective comments and suggestions of the judges
delivering the judgments, which constitute a remarkable contribution to the jurisprudence of anti-
human -trafficking criminal law. It is hoped that this compilation would play a significant role in
the field of prosecution.
Policy initiatives
IOM provided technical assistance in drafting the “Prevention and Suppression of Human
Trafficking Act 2012”based on a request from the Government. Upon request from the
government, IOM has also provided technical support to the Ministry of Home Affairs to
develop the “Rules of Procedures” for the new law.

After several rounds of consultations and receiving inputs from various stakeholders, the draft
Rules were finalized through an implementing committee meeting before submitting it to the
government.

IOM has also provided technical assistance to the government in drafting “The Bangladesh
Passports Act” and “The Bangladesh Immigration Act” which are yet to be enacted. IOM
commissioned a consultant to review existing laws and regulation of the country and draft new
Passport and Immigration Acts incorporating all the recent requirements to prevent irregular
movement from the country. The draft version of these two Acts has been submitted to the
Ministry for taking it forward.

IOM also supported BNWLA to draft the “Minimum Standards of Care for Victims of
Trafficking and Violence” and handed it over to the government to take the process forward.

6.2 United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund

As a lead agencies United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with
the Government of Bangladesh and NGO partners has been working to ensure Social Services
for improving access for children which impacting on developing social protection policies and
services to eliminate abuse, exploitation, violence caused through engaging child in worst form
of labour, trafficking of children, women and young people in UNDAF district areas.

In 2013, UNICEF is pleased to share the country’s success of passing a new Children Act that
came into force on 21 August 2013. With the passing of this law to implement the CRC, a child
in Bangladesh is now identified as any person below the age of 18 years, providing a universal
and internationally recognized definition for a child.

Government of Bangladesh cooperated with UNICEF to provide an enabling environment for

child rights and to extend a child sensitive social protection system. Since 2012, UNICEF has
been strengthening its work with children’s families and communities who are the key in
improving an equitable prevention and response to violence, abuse and exploitation in particular
child labour, child marriage that often leads to experience of exploitative situation of Human
Trafficking.
In order to implement the activities relating to women and child trafficking measures under NPA
2012-14, UNICEF funded programmes with different ministries specially MoHA, MoWCA,
MoSW and MoLJPA always focused in prevention, protection, prosecution of human trafficking
with views in partnership and coordination among the service provides so that through child
sensitive social protection initiative increases resilience of the families and also strengthen the
process of protection mechanism to ensure standard services in every stage from rescue to
integration of trafficked victims.

During the reporting year, UNICEF achieved below result as a part of execution of relevant
responsibilities mentioned in NPA:

- New knowledge has been introduced in 48% of the community committees activating debate
and creating demand for child rights reflected in community action to reduce harmful
practices. The total number of children benefitting from at least one child protection service
(6 drop in Centres, 45 child friendly spaces, 5 emergency night shelters, and child helpline)
has increased by 13% compared to 2012, reaching 36,884 vulnerable children. About 67,035
adolescent girls and boys have been playing a role of active agents of change and contributed
to civic engagement in conservative communities through their enrolment in adolescent
clubs.

- Amendment to the Birth and Death Registration Act has been enacted providing institutional
structure to accelerate the rate of birth registration within 45 days. Online case management
system pilot is ongoing and a special feature for children with disability in under
development at the request of the Department of Social Services.

- 62 children in conflict with the law benefitted from the piloted diversion programme in two
districts. Justice and child welfare actors as well as community -based child protection
committees adopted non -judicial proceedings for children accused of petty crimes. These
children were referred from the three Government Child Development Centres to appropriate
services including education or vocational training, counselling and social protection in
support of their reintegration. Children Act 2013 provides legal basis for diversion measures.
It is expected that the number of children benefiting from diversion will be increased from
600 (Six hundred) other children in the same two districts who were at risk of coming into
conflict with the law benefited from a juvenile delinquency prevention programme.

- Additional 490 trained professionals are contributing to child friendly justice system
strengthening: 320 police officers and 50 border guards were trained on child friendly
interviewing skills, 50 lawyers and 70 probation officers were oriented on juvenile justice
and new Children Act.

Besides, to ensure efficient multi-disciplinary cooperation and coordination and resource

optimization to achieve UNICEF’s goal and objectives; to formulate strategic and actions, inter-
ministerial coordination and linkages were as follows:

Actions Partnership Linkage with For what/ upshot

with
Harmonization of National laws MoLJPA MoHA, MoSW, Enactment of Children
and policies with international MoWCA, Act 2013; The
standards in relation to justice MoLGRD and Prevention and
for children MoFA Suppression of Human
Trafficking Act, 2012 ;
etc.
Enforcement of Legal and MoHA MoLJPA, MoSW, To ensure joint capacity
policy framework thro ugh MoWCA and building through child
capacity building for relevant MoLG, protection operational
stakeholders and pursuing coordination at grass
judicial activism. roots level.
Piloting models of child friendly MoSW MoSWa and To operation necessary
justice system in selected areas. and MoLJPA multi-disciplinary child
MoLJPA protection committees.
Scale up and strengthening of MoWCA MoWCA & To operation necessary
minimum package of social and MoSW multi-disciplinary
protection services ensuring MoSW minimum package of
continuum package of services services
Institutional strengthening of MoWCA/ MoLGRD, To run CO-IMS for
key actors/stakeholders through MoSW MoHA, MoLJPA program monitoring,
capacity building and and where CP- evaluation and policy
operationalization of CPIMS to IMS subsystem decision
ensure minimum care standards are established and
functional
Establishing and strengthening MoWCA MoWCA To ensure multi-
CP Networks to better and and disciplinary response
coordinate, respond and refer to MoSW MoSW
relevant child protection
services & community based
child Protection Network
Modelling transformation of MoSW MoWCA, To promote family/
institutional care MoLJPA, MoHA community based
and MoLG alternative care
Adolescent Cluster advocates MoWCA All technical
To take on the role of
and supports facilitation of ministries relevant
agent of change in
Children Policy 2011 to policy
adolescent and
implementation.
development issue and
also adolescent
empowerment
Functionalize the Anti- MoHA MoWCA, MoSW, To rescue, repatriation
Trafficking Cell and Standard PHQ and MoFA and integration of
operating procedure trafficked children
(internal and Cross
border).

Beyond those five ministries, UNICEF’s funded program is trying to make linkage with other
relevant ministries like education, health, communication etc. for smooth operation of the
program and implementations of its activities to ensure child protection from national to grass
roots level. Besides, UNICEF holds significant role in funding and providing technical support in
planning, monitoring, evaluating and building capacity of all concern ministries working for
child protection including children and women trafficking.

UNICEF supported Project: “Anti-Trafficking Monitoring and Mechanism (ATMM)” has been
implemented with joint effort of the Ministry of Home Affairs which basically provided support
to the Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Integration (RRRI) Task Force under the ministry.
UNICEF has assisted the task Force in execution of activities for prevention, Protection and
Prosecution of human trafficking crime with coordination of member NGOs, relevant ministries
and Indian counterparts.

Prevention:

In order to build capacity of law enforcing agencies (LEA) and create awareness, two day
Training on ‘Child Friendly Interview Skill (CFIS)’ was provided to 445 LEA. Among them
195 were Police, 175 Criminal Investigation Department (CID), 75 Border Guard Bangladesh
(BGB) Officials participated in two day long trainings. Now UNICEF and MoHA is jointly
planning to provide training to all assigned police officials who got responsibility for Child
Affairs Desk in 64 district’s Police Stations as per Children Act 2013 so that they can execute
their duties to support all the trafficked and vulnerable children to enjoy their rights and justice in
all aspects.

CFIS Training in CID

Protection:
CFIS Training in CID

UNICEF and MOHA have jointly developed structured and synchronized mechanisms for
rescue, recovery, repatriation and integration of victims of trafficking both of inside and outside
of the country. In connection of those initiatives, UNICEF provides support to MoHA to
strengthen RRRI Task Force by establishing a coordinated process and system among the Task
Force stakeholders in India and Bangladesh. Information received and most of them were
repatriated from India following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with coordination of
RRRI Task Force members organizations (GO/ NGOs). Besides, five (2 Female, 2 Minor Girls
and 1 Male) Indian National/victims were send back to their native country through support from
member NGOs of the Task Force.
In addition, UNICEF-MoHA implemented “ATMM” project were identified and made case
management of 161 repatriated trafficked victims for providing them livelihood supports
through its Joint Cash support program with MoSW in order to stop re-victimization of human
trafficking and ensure social safety and security. Those victims will get needful livelihood
support soon.

Prosecution:

UNICEF -MoHA jointly developed a draft of Unified Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for
RRRI of trafficked victims for India and Bangladesh aiming to overcome the complex process of
rescue-to-integration of victims in both countries. And also made coordination with Indian
government to finalize the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between two countries for
supporting and establishing effective policies and mechanism to stop human trafficking through
joint actions, expedite and practice the set process from rescue to integration of the victims of
trafficking especially women and children as more vulnerable groups. UNICEF has provided
necessary assistance to MoHA to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination by organizing
Bilateral meeting among government officials of both countries Task Force in every year. The
4th Bilateral meeting will be held in 2014 with technical and financial support of UNICEF. To
take preparation for that Bilateral meeting UNICEF-MoHA jointly organize a preparatory
workshop on October 21, 2013 at MoHA where 27 participants were actively participated and
took preparation on the following issues for discussion in upcoming bilateral meeting of RRRI
Task Force in India:

o The progress of decisions/actions taken during the 3rd Bi-lateral meeting at Cox’s
Bazaar and following period.

o Find out gaps or challenges in implementation of agreed actions of the bilateral

meeting (what actions taken to overcome). Preparation of specific agenda of
Bangladesh government to be discussed.

Apart from that UNICEF provided needful assistance and cooperation to the government
especially MoHA to develop draft Rules under The Prevention and Suppression of Human
Trafficking act 2012 as a team member of law drafting committee and also necessary support in
implementation of National Plan of Action 2012-14.

6.3 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

In line with the National Plan of Action (2012-2014) to counter human trafficking, UNODC in
partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh is implementing a
Project “Technical Assistance to the Government of Bangladesh in Strengthening the Responses
to Human Trafficking’’ for the period of 2013-2014. The project aims to assist the Government
of Bangladesh in preventing human trafficking through effective and strengthened law
enforcement capacities; provide protection and assistance to trafficked victims through
establishment of national referral mechanisms and increased cooperation between the criminal
justice system and civil society. The project is a joint initiative of UNODC and the Ministry of
Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh and being implemented in collaboration with the Civil
Society Organizations known as NGOs. The project is funded by the US State Department and
executed with the support of Project Steering Committee and Project Implementation Committee
which are headed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Key activities envisaged:
- Training of Law Enforcing Officials and Public Prosecutors on investigation and
prosecution
- Strengthen and operationalize specialized Anti-human trafficking Units with special
focus on regional cooperation
- Protection services such as shelter services for labour trafficked victims especially adult
male victims
- Carry out a country assessment on support providers to the victims with special focus on
labour trafficking
- Develop guideline to set up national referral mechanism.

The two major activities of the project are:

(a) Strengthen regional and inter-regional cooperation and intelligence sharing in rescue
operation, investigation, monitoring of human trafficking cases and law enforcement
officials refer victims to treatment and reintegration:

One of the key activities of the project is to

organize training of the law enforcing officials and
public prosecutors on anti-human trafficking law,
investigation and prosecution. Under this activity
the project has a target to train 800 Law Enforcing

TNA Workshop at MoHA Conference Room

Officials and 120 Public Prosecutors in 2014. Training as envisaged in this project will help
generate sufficient awareness and better understanding of the laws among police officers and
public prosecutors to increase their capacity for quality investigations. This in turn, will result in
better prosecution and improved conviction rates of those who are responsible for committing
this heinous crime. Swiftness, surety and stringency of punishment would ultimately have a
deterrent effect on the criminal activities of the traffickers.

In doing this, a comprehensive and need based training toolkit has been prepared with
cooperation of Centre for Women and Children Studies (CWCS) and following a consultative
process and assessing training needs with special focus on police officials and pub lic prosecutors
based on their specific functions - Investigation and Prosecution. The training will be impacted
by the trained personnel who would be received a trainers’ training.
 (b) Government and NGOs establish a referral system for adult male trafficking victims
and victims of forced labour.

This outcome benefit actual and potential victims of human trafficking and (a) improve the
implementation of the rights of victims of trafficking through successful prosecution of cases
brought against the traffickers as a consequence of improved capacity within the criminal justice
system, (b) support victims through appropriate
referral mechanisms and (c) prevent potential
victims from being trafficked and avoid actual
survivors being re-trafficked as a consequence
of improved awareness among authorities and
criminal justice actors.

The project is supporting the 3 NGOs and

made partnership for provision of rehabilitation
services to adult male trafficking victims
through existing shelter homes since July 2013. Life Skills Training to the Survivors
The shelter homes of the partner NGOs are:
(a) Dhaka Ahsania Mission (located at Jessore);
(b) Shikkha, Shastha Unnyan Karzakram -SHISUK (located at Dhaka City);
(c) TMSS (located at Bogra)

During the last six months (July - December 2013), the shelter homes of the NGOs have provided
the following services:

Sl Major activities accomplished Number

1 Information collection on rescue and survivors eligibility assessment 68

2 Rescue and repatriate of victim of labour trafficking 38

3 Shelter home support services (including food, safe accommodation, 68
clothing)
4 Medical support (includes referral to other clinics, medicines support) 36
5 Counselling (including counselling for trauma management) 52
6 Legal aid prosecution and follow-up 18
7 Documentation of detailed case studies 4

1) Outreach services to the survivors: Outreach service includes making contact with the
victims at home and abroad either at the shelter home, or at home after repatriation, or at the
centers where the victims are incarcerated or rescued or the place where the victim get
asylum. After that s/he is offered with the services from the shelter home/NGOs, motivated
and recorded/registered, and discussion going on to find out a solution to get rescued,
repatriated, and compensated. This also includes case filing for legal aid support, medical
services, arbitration etc.
 Outreach activity also requires
making contact with the family
members and manpower agency to
collect or to know the information,
and with the local authority to
inform about case. In many cases,
for example Dhaka Ahsania
Mission, SHISUK and TMSS did
the outreach with the victims of
labour-trafficking and their family
members, who are also identified as
trafficked victims to neighboring
countries. Generally, in such cases,
the victims were verbally contracted
(undocumented) to get a job/work in
the neighboring countries, but after
reaching there, they found nothing
or found another trap of violence
was waiting for them.
2) Shelter home support services: The
shelter home support services
include offering food and safe
shelter to victims after repatriation,
legal aid education and support,
counselling services and medical
services (also referral). After being
recorded, the survivors’ eligibility assessment and need assessment is done and then made an
individual plan
3) for future course of action. In the shelter home the
survivors also get skill training when organized.
SHISUK came to know that two female Bangladeshi
nationals went to Lebanon as domestic worker and were
physically tortured (likelihood of sexual abuse by the
family member of the host-family/employer). SHISUK
pressurized the concerned recruiting agency in
Bangladesh, and ultimately the victims were being
repatriated. Similarly, in one case, CARITAS Lebanon,
a networking organization helped the victims got
repatriated to back home. Both cases are reported to
the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training
(BMET) and Police HQs for arbitration
TMSS rescued Hakim who lives in a village under
Bogra District, married and has a family with two
children. Once he dreamt to go abroad, preyed by a
local manpower agent Sayedur, who promised him to
send Dubai with a higher salary. Hakim managed Tk.
280,000 borrowing from others with high interest and
selling lands. Hakim reached Dubai, but did not know
what was waiting for him as his all documents and
passports were seized by the recruiters. He was
abducted with other mates in a camp and engaged with
other work, which was not in his contact. Ten months
later, he worked without a single penny, and once he
escaped from there, and caught by Dubai Police. After
three months in imprisonment he managed to rescue
and back home. Now he got Life skill and

4) Medical support and Counselling (includes

referral to other clinics, medicines support): In
the shelter home, the survivors receive counselling
by the trained counsellors/peer counsellors, and if
requires referred to the professional counsellors in
case of trauma management.
Survivor Mr. Hakim at his Hosiery
5) Legal aid
prosecution and Once the local police rescued a young girl (aged 14 years) and referred to the
follow up: One of Shelter home of Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) located at Vekutia Bazaar
important aspects of of Arabpur union under Sadar upazila in Jessore. The parents and the
the project is to police decided to rehabilitate her at the shelter home mainly for safely and
provide legal aid security reason. The case was filed as “Police case”. The girl was allured of
services to the both colorful marriage and good job in Mumbai in the factory with good
survivors. Activities salary. She was wondering at the border side with her so-called boy friend.
refer to the filling Finding police officials, her so-called boy friend fled and left behind her. She
case to Bureau of was rescued, received training, and now learning other trade as she can
Manpower, survive. She studied up to five grades and now teaching other mates as peer
Employment and teacher.
Training (BMET)
and Police HQs Bangladesh.

In special situation, the project encourages and takes initiatives to sue against the perpetrators,
with the help of trained affiliated lawyers.

6.4 Winrock International

“Actions for Combating Trafficking- in-Persons” (WI/ACT) is a six -year program (2008 -2014),
funded by USAID and implemented by Winrock International (WI). In Bangladesh, WI/ACT
connects local and national government representatives, non -governmental organizations,
citizens and community leaders and builds their capacities to be change agents in reducing
trafficking and promoting safe migration .

The WI/ACT program works collaboratively to:

• empower survivors of trafficking and those at-risk of being trafficked;
• provide viable economic alternatives to unsafe internal and cross-border migration;
• expand public awareness of, and participation in, prevention and crime reduction efforts;
• build the capacity of government institutions to identify and prosecute perpetrators of
TIP; and
• eliminate social and gender biases that undermine basic human rights and help perpetuate
human trafficking.

Representatives of the WI/ACT program support the work of the Government of Bangladesh as
members of the GO-NGO Committee & the NPA Implementation Committee. The WI/ACT
program was the lead agency supporting the Ministry of Home Affairs to develop the National
Plan for Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons 2012 -2014. In 2013, WI/ACT and its
implementing partners contributed to 15 of the 38 activities stipulated in the NPA, across all five
goals.
Key quantitative achievements of the WI/ACT program in 2013 inclu de:

National Conference on Implementation of PSHTA 2012 and NPA

— 702 trafficked survivors identified and supported to restore normalcy to their lives
— 1,620 people trained to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and reduce migrant
vulnerability
— 1,300 registered migrants were made aware of their rights and responsibilities
— 16 union-level Counter-Trafficking Committees activated
— 1,825 local initiatives on TIP and safe migration conducted by trained volunteers

On 2 July 2013, the WI/ACT program convened a National Conference on Bangladesh’s 2012
Trafficking in Persons Law and National Plan of Action 2012 -14: From Adoption to
Implementation . The first anniversary of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking
Act (PSHTA) 2012 was highlighted as well as the mid -point of the National Plan of Action for
Combating Human Trafficking 2012 – 2014 (NPA). The National Conference created an
important forum for government and civil society participants to review together the state of
implementation of the new law and the current NPA, as it reached its mid -point. WI also
presented the recommendations of the National Conference to higher officials of MoHA.

Supporting implementation of the NPA 2012 -2014

The WI/ACT program makes significant contributions

towards achieving the goals and activities of the
Government of Bangladesh’s National Plan of Action
for Combating Human Trafficking 2012-2014 (NPA).
Key contributions by WI/ACT and its implementing
partners are highlighted according to the NPA goal to
which they contribute. Dinajpur courtyard session led by
WI/ACT Peer Leader.
Goal 1: To Prevent Human Trafficking
Through the WI/ACT program 24,000 copies of awareness raising information, education and
communication (IEC) materials were distributed in local communities in Jessore, Satkhira,
Dinajpur, Rajshahi, and Cox’s Bazaar. Twenty thousand awareness raising events increased the
knowledge of over 47,000 people.

Volunteers trained and supported by WI/ACT are key to this community outreach. Eighty five
female and male trafficking survivors of ANIRBAN (Survivors’ Voice) brought the power of
their personal experiences to their outreach messages. More than 120 Peer-to-Peer leaders
ranging in age from 18 to 48 conducted information gatherings in local venues such as village
courtyards, tea stalls, public markets, mosques and schools. Both networks convene regularly to
share techniques and plan further outreach to new communities in Bangladesh.

Winrock organized three training programmes for 74 participants (67 men and 7 women).
Journalists of electronic and print media in Dhaka and Satkhira to promote broader coverage
regarding the issues of all forms of human trafficking were attended. The training programmes
covered the topics namely social journalism, human trafficking, investigative reporting, legal
framework of human trafficking and safe migration etc. Moreover, forty participants attended
two trainings on Human Trafficking and Safe Migration provided by WI/ACT to local level
NGOs/CBOs in trafficking prone areas.

WI/ACT directly and its partner organizations conducted 42 events in several districts to create
awareness among 1,300 registered migrants including 265 female migrants were made aware of
their rights and responsibilities, including legal provisions and complaint-filing process with
cooperation of government and commercial Technical Training Centres.

Goal 2: To Protect the victims/survivors of human trafficking

Four WI/ACT implementing partners enabled
almost 700 survivors of trafficking to regain
lives of dignity and hope through holistic and
integrated process that involves the survivor at
every stage and is appropriate to each survivor’s
socio-cultural context.
Creating sustainable livelihoods options is a
core component of WI/ACT survivor services
which includes group enterprise initiatives,
individual business develop, modern agricultural
training, vocational training, public private With WI/ACT support survivors established a
partnership and job placement assistance for plum growing cooperative.
survivors.

WI/ACT is leading them in the process of WI/ACT has consolidated standard guidelines and
protocols for comprehensive reintegration services for survivors of trafficking and labour
exploitation with cooperation of partner organizations. The standards will be published in
2014.

WI/ACT and its partners are committed to promoting the empowerment of survivors of labour
trafficking. It has established the ANIRBAN (Survivors’ Voice) network as a platform to enable
survivors to provide awareness raising and advocacy that arises from their unique insights into
the realities of trafficking and labour exploitation.
WI/ACT and its implementing partners convened the 2013 ANIRBAN Survivors’ Voice
National Convention in Dhaka. Eighty participants from 24 districts, all survivors of trafficking
or labour exploitation, consulted together to identify their key concerns. They presented these
concerns and recommendations to key decision makers from the Government of Bangladesh.
Several senior representatives of the Government of Bangladesh and the United States kindly
addressed the Convention participants and served as a panel to receive the convention
recommendations. These honourable guests included Hazrat Ali, Additional Secretary, Ministry
of Expatriate Welfare & Overseas employment; Md. Hossain Molla, Joint Secretary
(Development) Ministry of Social Welfare; Syed Aminul Islam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Rukhsana Hasin, Additional Secretary, Ministry of
Home Affairs; and Amber Brooks, Director, USAID/ Bangladesh Democracy and Governance
Unit.

Goal 3: Effective Prosecution of human trafficking cases

WI/ACT provided training on Survivors Support and Human Trafficking Laws to more than 70
Police officials and Public Prosecutors at three events in the districts of Khulna, Sylhet and
Cox’s Bazaar. In addition, three follow-up trainings were conducted for 39 Police Officers.
About 33 judges across the country were oriented to the PSHTA 2012 and related laws by
WI/ACT at a half day session for Additional Judges and Judicial Magistrate in September 2013
at JATI, Dhaka with cooperation of the Judicial Administrative Training Institute (JATI).
WI/ACT trained 48 immigration officials on these topics at two training events held during 2013.

Goal 5: To develop effective system for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

At the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs, WI/ACT created and circulated an NPA 2012-
2014 mid -term assessment reporting instrument. The final report from this assessment is in
process.

6.5 World Vision Bangladesh

World Vision is an International Christian relief,

development and advocacy organization dedicated to
working with children, families’ and communities to
overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision
operates through 72 ADPs in 91 sub -districts, city
and town locations in 34 districts of Bangladesh and
serves around 4 million people directly and indirectly
with various human development activities.
Deputy Commissioner, Khulna addressing in the
Prevention district level Counter Trafficking Committee
(CTC) meeting, at Khulna on 24.03.2013
Responding to the NPA 2012-14, WVB-CSNP has activated 43 Counter Trafficking Committees
(CTC) at Union Parishad, Upazila and District levels by facilitating 180 meetings with the
members of Counter Trafficking Committees during this reporting period.
About 292,070 (male 27,202, 130,839 female,
65,592 boys and 95,639 girls) vulnerable
community people were outreached through
various prevention related activities during the
reporting period. Besides, 135,738 (male, 17859
female 97671, boys 7999, girls 12209)
community people were educated on anti-
trafficking issues through video shows and group
education sessions. The project organized special
classroom education sessions with134,746 (boys
55086, girls 79660) school students on anti-
CFS children are participated in singing song with
trafficking issues so that they can identify and their caregiver in Barandipara CFS, at Jessore on
prevent trafficking at school and community 26.02.2013
level. Total 2787 vulnerable children including
939 boys 1848 girls were provided with Life Skills Based Education (LSBE) with a view to
capacitate them towards coping with challenges. The CSNP also identified 1884 parents and
provided them with parental skill training so that the parents can properly take care of their
children.
WVB CSNP developed modules for Life Skill Based Education and Parental Skill Training
(PST). This project also trained 50 Journalists on human trafficking issues through partnership
with the Daily Prothom Alo.
WVB CSNP developed and distributed 21, 500 promotional materials on anti-trafficking
messages. The project aired 5 video clips on trafficking, child marriage, child labour, dowry and
child torture on Samay TV and Independent TV and captured a large audience. It also arranged
20 mini project competitions among 1,121 students where they assimilated the concepts of
human trafficking.

Protection & restoration: WVB CSNP widened its

networking across borders for RRRI activities, policy
advocacies and activities which facilitate the
implementation of HT related legal instruments
during this year. WVB has also been working towards
robust cross border collaboration to facilitate Rescue,
Recovery, Repatriation and Integration (RRRI)
activities across borders. During this period the
project has covered 25 Upazilas in 9 districts under Khulna, Barisal and Dhaka divisions.
WVB also comprehensively supported trafficked victims with shelter, food, cloth, psycho-social
counselling, medical treatment, and legal aid (referral) through its partner NGO Dhaka Ahsania
Mission (DAM) and then integrated them back to their families. The CSNP under its restoration
support scheme offered extensive services to 27 rescued victims of trafficking.
WVB oriented 1396 GO, NGO and CBO service providers on the PSHT law 2012 and laws
related to VAW and child marriage so that the rights of the victims and their families can be
protected The CSNP also oriented 1065 LEAs, Lawyers and Judiciary officials on their roles to
implement NPA 2012-14 and PSHT law, 2012.
To create an enabling and protective family environment for vulnerable children and to protect
them from being trafficked, WVB organized Income Generating Activities (IGA) training for
423 vulnerable women and provided IGA input supports for 365 vulnerable families during the
reporting period. WVB CSNP also provided IGA support to15 trafficking victims for their
sustainable rehabilitation.

Policy:
WVB- CSNP launched Stop Child Marriage Campaign namely ‘BRIDE NOT BEFORE 18’
during this year and also took up a range of advocacy initiatives in collaboration of National
Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Bangladesh. Millstone achievements have been made by
leading the drafting process of Child Marriage Restraint Act in collaboration of NHRC,
Bangladesh. WVB CSNP implemented 62 advocacy events as part of their issue based and
policy advocacy at different level with a view to ensure protective environment for the victim of
trafficking and the children vulnerable to trafficking.

7. Initiatives to address the plight of trafficked victims and survivors

7.1 Bangladesh National Women Lawyer’s Association

The beautiful village Vaskor has located as one of the remote countryside of Feni district. From
a decent family of that village a jolly girl Kajol (17) (Fictitious name) introduced a person called
Jashim through a miscall strategy. On following consequence, they intensify their feelings into
an eternal love. In fact Kajol trapped into a deceived love attraction of Jashim.

In 20 September, 2011, Kajol meet Jashim with a pre-arranged maiden dating at Feni central bus
station. Suddenly, Jashim proposed her to instantly marry him through court. Firstly, Kajol
thinks it’s a puzzle but Jashim insisted her and told he is serious. Finally, Kazol agreed to Jashim
and they voyaged their course of love towards unknown. First they took a CNG and then an
enterprise bus towards Dhaka. At Dhaka they stayed at his cousin’s residence for 6 hours. On
that night, at 10.30 pm they travelled towards Jessore as spouse through another enterprise bus.
At dawn of 21 September, they reached at Benapole and Jashim meet another person who was
unknown to Kajol. Then they travelled about 10 to 15 minutes through a paddle van, then walk
towards border fence line and crossed the barbed wired line by ladder.

In India, they first went to Rai Babu’s residence, who was a so -called uncle, in fact, a local
hooker. There, Kajol found another girl named Joshna. From, there Kajol, Joshna, Jashim,
Raibabu travelled through CNG, buses and reached into a train station. That day at 7.00pm they
started their journey via train and after two night and one day’s journey they reached at
Bangalore. There they stated another residence of Raibabu located at “Banor Kata Circle”. Kajol
stayed with Jashim for two days, meanwhile this time Jashim forcibly rapped Kajol for two times
and sold her to Rai Babu. Jashim returned Bangladesh leaving his love on the brothel of Rai
Babu located on the Bangalore – another side of barbed wire fence.

The following story of Kajol became more tragic; Rai Babu involved Kajol into force
prostitution in different hotels of Bangalore. One day, Rai Babu permanently sold kajol at a
brothel of Mysore. Kajol discovered lots of deceived girls like her forcefully engaged into
prostitution in Mysore. Kajol became friend of another Bangladeshi girl. With help of that girl,
Kajol collected a mobile phone and made a call to her family. On next day, at 6 November, 2011
her mother came to BNWLA and shared details of her girls fate. Kajal was rescued by local
police from a brothel at Mysore with assistance of an organization “Justice and Care” and
transferred to safe homes both at Bangalore and Kolkata (SAANLAP) for further supports.
Based on an appeal from Kajal’s mother, BNWLA intervene on this case, contacted with Indian
counterparts, taken necessary steps and bring back Kajal in Bangladesh within shortest time. A
case was filed at Bangalore immediate after rescue and another case was filed immediate after
return in Bangladesh. After the repatriation Kajal stayed in BNWLA shelter home “Prashati” and
finally reunited with her family. At present, the case is on trial with the legal supervision of
BNWLA.

7.2 Centre for Women and Children Studies

Nupur Akhter, a victim of trafficking

Nupur Akhter, a 20 years old young girl is unmarried and Muslim. Her mother, Delwara Begum
married a day labourer of same village for second time after her father’s death while she was 12
years old. She was drop out from school while she was reading in class six in a madrasah due to
death of her father. She was staying with her step -father and there are 10 members in the family
with her two brothers. They are resident of Kashipur village at Sree Mongal Union Parishad
under Chirir Bandar Upazila in Dinajpur district.
Nupur started to work as domestic maid in a neighbouring house at salary of 500 to be self-
reliant. She had to look after a 4 year old boy who one day hit her with a iron stick at her waist.
She was provided with medical treatment by the master but her health problems were not
identified. After staying about one year, once she left for Dhaka leaving a letter in her master’s
house with taka 200 only. She did not give any fair in bus on her way to Dhaka.

Reaching Dhaka, she had breakfast in a hotel and afterwards went to a nearby hospital getting
information from hotel boy for medical treatment. Observing her tenderness, an unknown person
assured her of a job and took her to a woman who sold her to sardarni of a brothel at the cost of
taka 50,000. Nupur was advised to make up to attract customers. Her pain in waist has been
increased due to engagement in commercial sex work and sardarni of the brothel took her to a
doctor who advised her not to continue sex work. She was paid very little amount of money
which she deposited with sardarni . She stayed one and a half years in the brothel and due to her
physical inability, one day sardarni told her to go home and receive medical treatment giving
only bus fair and helped her to reach bus stand to go to Dinajpur.

Nupur very sick and have not enough strength to move rather she felt comfort sitting in the bus.
Unfortunately, she got into a bus bound for Satkhira in the afternoon. She got asleep and she
could not tell anything more of the incidents till she rescued by police official of Satkhria Sadar
police station from roadside at Itagacha nearby Satkhira town. After rescue, they helped her to
get admitted into Satkhira Sadar hospital. CWCS counsellor cooperated police officials to
conduct necessary medical test including HIV testing and she was HIV negative. She was also
provided with medicines which are not available at hospital. She was also provided counselling
services by CWCS counsellor at hospital but she did not tell anything rather faint as dump with
fear of disclosure of the incident and health problems. She told her incomplete address to CWCS
counsellor and one female doctor of Satkhira Sadar hospital informed possible location of
Nupur’s house. CWCS counsellor contacted with Social Service officer who was working at
Satkhira Sadar hospital. The Social Service officer, communicated with Chirir Bandar upazila
Social Service officer who communicated with Nupur’s parents on every day. Her parents talked
with CWCS staff instantly and maintained communication with CWCS staff and their daughter
as well till they come to Satkhira.

After 10 days, she was referred to transit shelter facility of CWCS and stayed till her mother
received. In the transit shelter facility, she also provided counselling services by CWCS
counsellor of IHB and getting confidential environment she told about her address and the
incidents that happened in her life during last few months. In the meantime, she talked with her
parents over mobile phone of IHB frequently. Her mother came to Satkhira along with her
husband and son-in-law to receive Nasima. Getting their daughter, they expressed their joy and
delights. They also expressed gratitude to CWCS. Their arrival in Satkhira delayed due to collect
travel cost and continuous hartals and blockades called by opposition parties.
 7.3 Dhaka Ahsania Mission

Morjina regained a new life

Morjina Begum, a 27 years old woman, lived with her family at Moddhyarchar village of
Melandoho Upazila in Jamalpur district. With a view to developing financial condition of her
family and to educate the children, once she went to Dhaka with her husband to work in garment
factory and continued their work. After a few months, they met a man who proposed Morjina
and her husband to go abroad to work in garment factory with a little amount of 20,000 to 25,000
BDT. Morjina and her husband were convinced and agreed. Afterwards, Marzina gave the man
10,000 BDT for making passport and 30,000 for related training cost. After receiving training,
she had to pay that man an amount of 50,000 BDT for transportation cost. After couple of weeks,
that man informed her about the departure date and time and finally she reached the Oman, the
destination country.

In Oman, Morjina found that she was recruited as home maid.

At end of the month she was given only 10,000 BDT as her
remuneration. She refused to take such small amount and for
that she was physically tortured. One day, she fled away from
the owner’s house and caught red handed by local police. After
one month she was sent back home.

Fortunately, the member of Anirban Group of ACT Project,

implementing by Dhaka Ahsania Mission, have come to know
about the misfortune of Morjina during their community meeting. They communicated with her
and invited her for counselling and provided counselling services for 4-5 days. At the same time,
counselling was given to her family too for 2 days. She was also given life skill training for 2
days and it was revealed that she had skill in stitching. She just wanted some initial capital to
start tailoring at home again. According to her demand, BDT.10, 091 has given to her to buy
cloth worth. Currently, she has been doing tailoring at her home. She has been planning to rent a
tailoring shop in nearby market. Morjina has been working for building awareness among her
neighbors about trafficking and safe migration in her convenient time. She already
communicated with different organizations for more credit with a view to flourishing her
business.

Dreams of rescued Shahnaj came true

Shahnaj (20) is a pastoral girl who is a resident of Charpolisha village, post office- Charpolisha
Bazaar in Jamalpur district. She has forced to get married at early age with Mr. Saiful a poor day
labourer. Hardship was daily phenomenon in their family. They cannot buy nutritious food, good
clothes and continue education of their children.

One day Shahanaj and her husband took decision to leave for Dhaka and joined in a Garment
factory at Dhaka. A few months later, they were acquainted with a person who used to send
people abroad. Shahnaj said, ‘the trafficker persuaded to send me to Saudi Arabia with good
job’. With his cooperation, Shahnaj received a passport to leave for Saudi Arabia. Her husband,
Saiful managed tk. 70 thousand by selling his only land. On the departure day, Shahnaj started
with the person towards airport. On the way, the trafficker said, ‘Your flight has left two days
ago’ and confined her in a house for a day and left her alone. In the following days, Shahnaj has
to work as maid servant in the house and whenever she wanted to raise the question for going
abroad, the house owner used to torture her mercilessly.

Being trapped, Shahnaj was unable to communicate to her husband and failed to come out from
the house. After few months she managed to come out from that house with the help of local
people and was able to back to her native area. She was also sexually exploited for several times
and had lost everything.

Then Shahnaj with the help of Dhaka Ahsania Mission under its ongoing Actions for Combating
Trafficking in persons (ACT) project was provided counselling services. Her family members
were also provided with counselling services. She was also provided with training on life skill,
human rights, and awareness, small entrepreneurship. For Shahnaj’s development of life, some
goods worth Tk. 20000/- was given under ACT Project. Shahnaj said, ‘ about 150 -200 families
depends on her shop for consuming goods and now my family is running very well and our
children has began to go to school.’ Shahnaj became conscious and aware about traffickers.
Shahnaj wants to run other business like Flexi load and has been expecting to expand her
business including medicine in her shop. She wanted to take additional credit of Tk. 20 thousand
from ACT project for extending her business.

7.4 World Vision Bangladesh

“Shokhatu has gained sewing skills, earns money and changed her sad and hopeless
story into a hopeful one”
Shokhatu (23) [Fake name] was born in a poor family in Satkhira district and her childhood was
full of bad experiences. Poverty forced Shokhatu’s family to drop her out of school; get her
married while she was still a child. She later got divorced in unequal conjugal life, was trafficked
and ended up in a brothel in India. After repatriation, Shokhatu has gained sewing skills, earns
money and changed her sad and hopeless story into a hopeful one.
Abu Bokkor Siddiki Sorder (60), Shokhatu’s father who is a beggar after being paralyzed from
heart disease and Sameda Khatun (52), her mother, assists her husband by pushing his cart for
begging. Shokhatu (23) elder among one brother Asraful (13) and one sister Tarifa (10), left
school at grade five and got victimized to child marriage. The marriage ended up in divorce in
short time as a child she couldn’t satisfy her husband. She worked as domestic help to support
her parents while Khushi (24), one of her co -workers, lured Shokhatu for going to Mumbai, India
for earning good money to support her parents. Shokhatu started off to Mumbai with Khushi and
crossed over the border with the help of alleged traffickers Rezaul Islam and Taslima Begum and
became an unwitting victim of trafficking. Shokhatu was sold, compelled to take steroid type
drug injections and forced into prostitution.
In the meantime, Shokhatu’s parents filed a case against Khushi and her mother and demanded to
bring Shokhatu back immediately. Police arrested Khushi and her mother and due to this
mounting pressure Rezaul Islam, Khushi’s maternal uncle brought Shokhatu back to Bangladesh
from Mumbai within three days. Subsequently, Kushi’s accomplices intimidated Shokhatu to
give false statement before the court that she was not trafficked by Khushi which resulted in
dismissal of the case by the court acquitting Khushi and her mother from the charge.
World Vision’s Child Safety Net Project staff visited Shokhatu’s family and Shokhatu was sent
to a shelter home for trauma and stress recovery. World Vision supported her shelter stay for
seven months. During that time, Shokhatu was cared for and received counselling that helped her
recover from traumatic situation. World Vision also supported Shokhatu’s health checkup and
provided with food, clothing, and personal items responding to her immediate needs. Moreover,
Shokhatu received sewing skill training for two months and a sewing machine from World
Vision and also some fabric to start making money. Shokhatu’s life is now transforming into a
good one overthrowing all difficulties.

“Now I know how to lead a dignified life----------Shikha”

A nineteen years old women Shikha (fictitious name) was born and brought up in a poor family
in a village of Satkhira district. Parents’ divorce in her childhood put her in hardship and she
survived brutal rape and trafficking situation. Now, Shikha has given birth to a baby girl being
under complete medical care and support and earning a dignified living by running a grocery
shop in her community.
After her parent’s separation, Shikha decided to stay with her mother. Shikha’s elder sister, Rani
(25) and her mother were working as house cleaners to support the family. One day, in 2008,
when she was 13, in absence of her sister and mother, three young men perpetrators raped Shikha
brutally and left her unconscious in a school play-ground, nearby to her residence. Police rescued
Shikha and filed a case which disposed in acquittal of the perpetrators. Immediately after the trial
was over, Arijul Islam 28, a cousin came to visit Shikha’s home and managed to marry her elder
sister Rani who was a divorcee and had a daughter name was Boisakhi 8. After their wedding,
Arijul deceived Shikha and Rani under fake job offers in Dhaka though they were taken to
Mumbai, India instead. Arijul took them both to his relative’s house, who works as a broker in a
brothel in Mumbai. One evening, Arijul took Shikha to a brothel, sold her secretly and
disappeared where Shikha forced into prostitution. In one night, when Shikha’s madam was busy
with some customers, Shikha escaped from the brothel and with the help of a pimp, she travelled
back home in Bangladesh.
At home, Shikha forgave Arijul as her elder sister Rani wanted to continue with him. Afterwards,
Shikha was introduced with Habibor (32) over mobile phone. Habibor showed respect and love
for Shikha and proposed to marry her. Shikha got married with Habibor and started her conjugal
life in a rented house. But one day police arrested Habibor, Shikha discovered that Habibor was a
thug in disguise. Habibor was convicted and sen tenced for nine months. Shikha came back to her
mother’s home, broken -hearted, spent nine sleepless months, waiting for her husband’s return.
Habibor came back to Shikha and started living with her after being released from jail. Four
months later, Habibor fled off when he came to know Shikha became pregnant.
Shikha’s elder sister Rani was an active member in a local “street-theatre group” which is
partnering with World Vision for creating anti-trafficking awareness through plays in the rural
communities. Shikha was provided counselling from World Vision which helped her recover
from trauma situation. Shikha was also provided with grocery goods to start a shop for
generating income. During her pregnancy period, World Vision Bangladesh CSNP project
ensured complete medical support.
Shikha says “World Vision taught me how to earn money from this shop and how to live well
with dignity.” She is rolling out well with her business and averagely, earning 120 taka per day
from her street shop located in front of a school. “It was beyond my capacity to start up this
shop, but I am so grateful to World Vision to provide me these materials for initializing my
shop.” Shikha added, “I hope to expand this shop, increase my income and live well with my
mother and child in the future.” Shikha now can vision a prosperous future for her girl.

8 Conclusion

Human trafficking is a gross violation of human rights. Series of harmful practices within society
and the country as well as international business leads to commit such heinous crimes. Therefore,
not only migration process but also many other internal and international issues, policies and
interventions are related to combat human trafficking. Human smuggling and abduction of
Bangladeshi migrants abroad are threats for safe migration and creates the ground of human
trafficking.

Bangladesh has also made commitments at the international level to combat human trafficking.
Bangladesh participated in the First World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of
Children held in Stockholm in 1996 and the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing
in 1995, and ratified a number of core human rights treaties mentioned above. At the regional
level, Bangladesh made its commitment to combat human trafficking by joining the Third
SAARC Ministerial meeting on Children held in Rawalpindi in 1996, which culminated in state
commitments to combat trafficking in children and assist victims of violence/exploitation by
evolving administrative, legal and rehabilitative measures. An inter-ministerial Alliance to
Combat Trafficking in Women and Children (ACTWC) with NGO/INGO representatives is
working under Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MOWCA) for expanding the scope of
SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for
Prostitution.

Bangladesh government has taken combined effort, by linking relevant ministries in the effort of
combating trafficking in persons both by formulating domestic legal framework in line with
international instruments. Moreover, in August, 2013 Bangladesh government has been enacted
The Children Act, 2013 in light with CRC for child protection and juvenile justice. This act will
help reduce discriminatory behaviours towards children and prevent child trafficking. Moreover,
Bangladesh government has also enacted Overseas Employment and Migration Act, 2013 to
promote safe migration in complying with the UN Convention on the Protection of the Rights of
All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, 1990. This law will increase responsibility
of government machineries for migration of any Bangladeshi nationals. It will also create the
realm for the government for advocating Bangladeshi migrant’s rights in destination countries.
Moreover, both sending and receiving states also have responsibility to family members of
migrant workers left at home. Therefore, the spaces of illegal migration, human smuggling and
trafficking incidents will be reduced by proper implementation of the law.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and its departments are playing the lead role in enhancing
coordination and cooperation among concerned ministries such as Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Expatriates’
Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Law, Justice and
Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on combating human trafficking
especially women and children to uphold the rights of marginalized people. Bangladesh
government is also working hand in hand with INGOs and NGOs in combating trafficking in
persons. Relevant ministries of Bangladesh government are working on poverty alleviation
through social safety net, creating income generating activities, education and healthcare services
for all. Relevant departments and NGOs, INGOs are working also on creating income generating
activities for the survivors of trafficking as well as vulnerable women and girls. They are also
working collective to rescue, repatriate, rehabilitate and integration of survivors in own society.
Rehabilitated survivors also become a actor in preventing human trafficking. They are also
working with collective effort for birth registration of children, stop child marriage, dowry, and
domestic violence. They are also working on developing community based protection system in
bordering districts and many women, adolescent girls and children are rescued on the way to be
trafficked before crossing border to India. Moreover, NGOs and UN bodies are also working
with concerned government agencies to enhance their capacity in service delivery.
Bangladesh government has focused on implementing National Plan of Action (NPA) for
Combating Human Trafficking, 2012-2014 to achieve its five goals in prevention, protection,
prosecution, partnership and monitoring implementation of NPA. Ministry of Home Affairs has
been playing pivotal roles in coordination all stakeholders mentioned above. Despite this, all
concerned ministries and departments need to be execute their roles with due emphasis. The
Rules and Regulations for the prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking, 2013 have
been under process with technical assistance of IOM, Moreover, Bangladesh government is
closely working with Indian Counterpart through RRRI (Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and
Integration) Task Force to ensure victims’ right in destination country as well as for easy
repatriation of victims with technical support of UNICEF. RRRI Task Force Cell has issued a
number of 677 trafficked victims order for final repatriation through the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs in 2013. Besides, five (2 women, 1 minor girl and 1 male) Indian nationals/victims were
sent back to their native country through support from member NGO of RRRI Task Force. Both
sides discussed the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) which would be finalized for signing at the earliest.

The concerted efforts undertaken by concerned ministries, departments, agencies, NGOs, UN

bodies have made remarkable achievements in 2013 to prevent human trafficking and promote
internal and cross border migration of Bangladeshi nationals. Protection and prosecution services
to the survivors have been enhanced. Nevertheless, there is no space of complacency, it is far
way to create a safe society for vulnerable people to be trafficked as well as reintegrate rescued
victims in the society. Bangladesh government hopes that NGOs, international communities, UN
bodies will collaborate with the government to reach the goal.