Reining in human trafficking
It is quite disturbing to note that incidents of human trafficking in the country are showing no sign of abatement. Thousands of people, including women and children, have been trafficked through the sea routes and land routes in the past few years. According to a report in this newspaper on Sunday, immigration authority rescued 74 persons from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while being trafficked to Nairobi of Kenya via Dubai on Friday afternoon. Forty more victims were rescued from the airport one day back. Members of human trafficking gangs in collaboration with a section of dishonest members of the law enforcement agencies are engaged in this heinous practice. The criminals are carrying on their trafficking activities in different parts of the country, including the capital city. Thousands of people have been trafficked through the sea routes. Enticed by lucrative job prospects, many 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.
Brutal torture perpetrated by the human traffickers and their agents caused deaths of many people. What is worrying is that the women and girls who were victims of human trafficking were repeatedly raped by the members of human trafficking gangs at home and in foreign lands. They also experienced traumas stemming from physical and mental torture. It is very unfortunate 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 remained untouched.
It is high time for the relevant authorities to build strong and united resistance against human trafficking. Concerted efforts of all vital government departments and agencies are of prime importance to fight this menace. Members of the law enforcement agencies should perform their responsibilities honestly and sincerely. They must not bow down to any undue pressure. The people involved in human trafficking and their patrons should be identified and punished. They should not be spared whatever powerful they may be. On the other hand, the victims of this heinous crime need proper rehabilitation. They should be provided financial, mental and moral support to overcome the trauma. Village and community leaders and teachers can also play their roles. Awareness campaign on the prevention of human trafficking is also very essential.
