Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain yesterday said that seven special tribunals for the trials of human trafficking related cases will be formed soon. After completion of formation of the tribunals, to be set up at seven divisions of the country, proper steps would be taken for speedy disposal of human trafficking cases, especially child trafficking, said a press release yesterday.

The Chief Justice came up with the comments while addressing an annual cross-border conference titled ‘Collaboration and Networking Meeting to Combat Trafficking in Children in Bangladesh’ at CIRDAP auditorium in the capital. At the moment, 4,784 human trafficking cases across the country are under trial, he said.

Attending the event as the chief guest, the Chief Justice appreciated and wished success of those who are involved in prevention of child trafficking. Addressing the event, other speakers stressed on broader coordination among different ministries and civil society organisations between India and Bangladesh for preventing trafficking, rescue and repatriation of the trafficking victims. They also called for bilateral and regional engagement for child friendly rescue, repatriation, protection and integration services, and rethinking legal and policy tools regarding child trafficking for addressing cross-border trafficking of children.

They hoped that continual dialogue and engagement of cross-border actors can help gain insights on actual implementation of regional and bilateral commitments. On behalf of the Consortium ‘Prevention of Child Trafficking through Strengthening Community and Networking (PCTSCN), INCIDIN Bangladesh, a member of the consortium, organised the event.

Ferdousi Akhter, additional secretary, Public Security Division of Home Ministry, Advocate Salma Ali, human rights activist, AKM Masud Ali, executive director of INCIDIN Bangladesh, chair of ATSEC Bangladesh & NACG, Manabendra Nath Mandal, executive director, (SLARTC) & national coordinator, ATSEC India, among others, spoke at the event.

Government officials of different departments in Bangladesh, and representatives from international and national NGOs from Bangladesh and India attended the daylong event.