The curse of human trafficking
Thousands of people,
including women and children, have been trafficked through the sea routes and land routes in the past few years
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali while addressing the Bali Process Government and Business Forum in Perth, Australia on Friday called upon the business community to join their hands with the governments of the Asia-Pacific region in combating human trafficking and other transnational crimes. The minister reiterated Bangladeshs commitment and highlighted governments multiple measures to prevent and combat human trafficking and related transnational crimes. It is quite disturbing to note that there is no let-up in human trafficking in the country. According to sources, thousands of people, including women and children, have been trafficked through the sea routes and land routes in the past few years.
Members of human trafficking gangs in collaboration with a section of dishonest members of the law enforcement agencies are engaged in this heinous practice. These members are carrying on their activities in different parts of the country, including the capital city. Thousands of people have been trafficked through the sea routes. Lured by lucrative job prospects, many impoverished people, including women and girls, were caught in the traps laid by the gangs. Most of the victims bore the brunt of slavery and wretchedness. Inhuman torture perpetrated by the human traffickers and their agents caused deaths of many innocent ones.
What is worrying is that the women and girls who are victims of human trafficking are repeatedly raped by members of human trafficking gangs at home and in foreign lands. They also suffer from traumas stemming from physical and mental torture. It is very unfortunate to note that no tangible action has been taken against the members of the syndicates involved in human trafficking. The big-shots involved in this heinous crime remain untouched. It is high time for the government to rein in the human traffickers. Effective cooperation between governments and private sector to address the root causes of the human trafficking is the prime need of the hour.
There is no scope for taking the human trafficking issue lightly. The hoodlums involved in the crime must be identified and punished. On the other hand, the victims of the crime need proper rehabilitation. They should be provided financial, mental and moral support to overcome the trauma. Besides, awareness campaign on the prevention of human trafficking is very much essential. Members of the law enforcement agencies, civil society and media have vital roles to play in this regard.
