New Law Will Play Strict Role in Curbing Human Trafficking & Tech Abuse: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has expressed optimism that the new law will play a strict and effective role in preventing the misuse of digital platforms and technology by organized criminal syndicates, as well as in suppressing human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at a national-level briefing session on the 'Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026' held on Wednesday (July 15) morning at the Hotel InterContinental in the capital.

The Home Minister stated that Bangladesh's legal and institutional capacity has been upgraded to international standards in line with the constantly changing tactics of criminal networks. The government is working to curb human trafficking and migrant smuggling through strong laws, effective institutional coordination, and a victim-centric criminal justice system.

He added that the newly enacted 'Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026' is a major milestone in Bangladesh's efforts to combat transnational serious crimes. Close cooperation among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, development partners, and civil society is crucial for the successful implementation of the new law.

Salahuddin Ahmed explained that the new law defines human trafficking and migrant smuggling as separate offenses. At the same time, an integrated legal framework has been developed for the suppression, investigation, and judicial processing of migrant smuggling. He further mentioned that the provisions for the protection of victims and witnesses have been strengthened in the law. Opportunities for international cooperation have also been expanded in alignment with global standards. Furthermore, the internationally recognized principle of non-punishment of victims has been maintained to ensure their dignity, rights, and security at every stage of the judicial process.

The meeting emphasized building a unified understanding of the law among the institutions responsible for its implementation. Participants exchanged views on the main provisions of the act, the implementation framework, and strengthening coordination at various stages of the criminal justice process—from investigation to judicial disposal.

Speakers noted that human trafficking and migrant smuggling are among the most serious forms of transnational organized crime. These crimes exploit vulnerable people, weaken the rule of law, and pose threats to national and regional security. Therefore, national and international cooperation is required to prevent these crimes, protect victims and survivors, dismantle organized crime rings, and bring perpetrators to justice.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Justice & Care, Bangladesh, jointly organized the event. Chaired by Monjur Morshed Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the event was attended by Special Guests including Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen, Inspector General of Police Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Md. Ziaul Huq, Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh Major General Md. Ashraful Zaman Siddiqui, and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed.

During the event, Mohammed Tariqul Islam, Country Director of Justice & Care, Bangladesh, highlighted the background, rationale, and key provisions of the new legislation. Later, a high-level discussion took place focusing on law implementation priorities and inter-institutional coordination.

Representatives from the Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch (SB), National Security Intelligence (NSI), the judiciary, the prosecution, relevant ministries and government offices, diplomatic missions, various UN agencies, international organizations, development partners, national and international NGOs, and civil society participated in the session.
//DBTech/BTN/MSI//