Govt to Crack Down on Digital Human Trafficking

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the government will take tough action against international human trafficking networks that use digital platforms and false online promises to lure victims.

He made the remarks while speaking at the launch of Listen, Bangladesh's first documentary-based photo book featuring stories of survivors of human trafficking, and the opening of a photo exhibition at the UN Building in Gulshan. The event was organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The minister said human trafficking deprives people of their freedom and dignity while undermining society. He noted that criminal groups are increasingly using digital platforms to recruit victims for cyber fraud, online scams and forced labour across borders.

Salahuddin said the government is strengthening law enforcement, enhancing technological capabilities and expanding public awareness to tackle technology-driven trafficking.

He announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon launch a special initiative titled Countering Cyber Enabled Human Trafficking through Technology to improve the detection of trafficking activities conducted online, strengthen legal action against traffickers and provide better protection for victims.

The home minister stressed that combating human trafficking requires coordinated efforts among governments, law enforcement agencies, civil society, international organisations and the media.

He also thanked the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for supporting Bangladesh's anti-trafficking efforts.

The event was attended by IOM Deputy Director General (Operations) Ugochi Daniels, KOICA Bangladesh Country Director Jihoon Kim, UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak and IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Dr Laura Tomm-Bonde.

The photo book Listen documents the experiences of women, men and children who survived human trafficking, migration-related exploitation, climate-induced displacement and other forms of vulnerability.