Combating human trafficking
Inhuman
torture perpetrated by the human traffickers and their agents caused deaths of many innocent ones
Police rescued 18 people while they were being trafficked to India through Benapole Sunday afternoon. According to a report in this newspaper on Monday, a gang of traffickers brought them to Benapole Bazar from different areas of the district. They took money from the victims and were sending them to India, promising good jobs there. This event again proves 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.
It is the greed for earning huge money that is driving these ill-fated people to leave their native land and sail for the uncertainty. Members of human trafficking gangs in collaboration with a section of dishonest members of the law enforcement agencies are engaged in this heinous practice. Members of the gangs are carrying on their sinister 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. Besides, scores of others are languishing in foreign jails. They 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. Thats why people are falling victims to immigration scams. Many victims are returning to their homes completely pauperized. What is needed now is stringent and concrete government action to prevent human trafficking.
There is no scope for foot-dragging. The hoodlums 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 essential. Members of the law enforcement agencies and civil society have vital roles to play in this regard.
