Mohammad Sharifuzzaman (Special Correspondent) Dhaka: Under the initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh and in collaboration with ‘Justice and Care’, yesterday, Thursday, 31 Baishakh 1433 Bangabhab (May 14, 2026): A day-long dissemination workshop on “The Prevention And Suspension Of Human Trafficking and Smuggling Of Migrants Act-2026” was held for press and media at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital Dhaka.
Senior Secretary of the Public Security Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manjur Morshed Chowdhury was present as the chief guest at the workshop. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed presided over the program, while Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Rebecca Khan was present as the special guest. Mohammad Tariqul Islam, Country Director of Justice and Care, presented the keynote speech at the workshop.
In his speech as the chief guest, Senior Secretary Manjur Morshed Chowdhury said that human trafficking and migrant smuggling have emerged as a global problem. Bangladesh is very sincere in solving this problem and is playing a leading role in enacting laws according to international standards. He mentioned that the Bangladesh government has enacted the ‘Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Prevention and Suppression Act, 2026’ in light of the United Nations Convention (UNTOC) adopted in 2000 and its Supplementary Protocols (TIP and SOM Protocol).
The Senior Secretary further said, “In this new law, special emphasis has been given to ensuring the protection and rights of victims along with strict measures against traffickers. Especially modern crimes like online fraud, scamming and ransom collection have been brought under this law. Strict laws alone are not enough to prevent human trafficking, but media workers must play a strong role in creating public awareness.”
It was informed at the workshop that through this new law, the investigation agencies have been further strengthened, considering the nature and scope of human trafficking crimes. The law includes groundbreaking provisions such as freezing bank accounts, seizing assets, and trial in absentia. In addition, passport or visa fraud for the purpose of migrant smuggling has also been considered a strictly punishable offense.
The new law is expected to ensure financial accountability of criminals and speedy justice for victims.
The major new additions and changes to the ‘Prevention and Suppression of Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026’ are as follows:
(1) Integrated legal framework and separate definitions:
The previous 2012 law did not properly distinguish between human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The new law defines these two as separate crimes:
Conformity with UN Protocols: The definition of human trafficking has been made consistent with the UN TIP Protocol and migrant smuggling with the SOM Protocol. Consolidated provisions: For the first time, all provisions related to human trafficking and migrant smuggling have been brought under this single law.
(2) Stricter penalties and inclusion of new crimes:
The penalties have been changed according to the type of crime: Penalty for abetment: Provisions have been made for 3 to 7 years imprisonment and a minimum fine of Tk 30,000 for allowing a trafficker to use property or assisting by concealing documents. Sexual exploitation: Provisions have been made for 3 to 10 years imprisonment and a minimum fine of Tk 50,000 for importing or transferring someone for this purpose. Online fraud: Provisions have been added for 3 to 7 years imprisonment for fraud in the name of false job advertisements or immigration online.
(3) Modernization of investigation and judicial powers:
Enforcement of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act: Investigating officers can now exercise the powers of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2012, to seize the bank accounts of traffickers and verify their income and assets. Special powers of the tribunal: The human trafficking tribunal can now try other trafficking-related crimes (such as assault, drug trafficking or sexual violence), which previously had to be tried in separate courts. Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA): International cooperation has been strengthened to seize or confiscate assets located abroad.
(4) Ensuring the safety of victims and witnesses:
Provisions have been made for rigorous imprisonment of 3 to 7 years for threatening a victim or witness and 2 to 5 years for forcing them to compromise. Legal immunity: It has been clarified that if a victim unintentionally commits certain illegal acts (such as carrying a fake passport or illegal entry) while being a victim of trafficking, he or she will not be considered an accused. Rehabilitation supervision: The officials responsible for monitoring the condition of victims in shelters have been given the obligation to submit reports every 6 months.
The workshop was attended by 48 representatives from the country’s leading print and electronic media. The speakers expressed the hope that through proper implementation of this law and widespread publicity, the trend of illegal migration abroad will be reduced and it will be possible to eradicate the human trafficking ring.
