Efforts to combat human trafficking need to be coordinated both in cyberspace and the real world, since the menace has fastened onto the internet and gotten worse amid the pandemic. The government and international partners are asked to focus on a rights-based approach to prevent the exploitation of victims and shrink the space for traffickers to prowl.
Rights campaigners said technology is enabling traffickers to reach vulnerable groups to deceive and exploit. Besides, it facilitates communication and coordination between trafficking networks, from the transport of victims to the transfer of profits. However, technology is also being harnessed to fight this crime. Traffickers are increasingly abusing technology to recruit, control and exploit victims, and their methods evolve on a daily basis. Covid-19 has allowed traffickers to shift their focus to the internet even further. Technology also offers significant opportunities to eradicate trafficking. Technology can help detect trafficking trends, rescue victims, and disrupt organized cross-border trafficking networks.
The US State Department reported that Bangladesh does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. The 2012 Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act criminalised sex trafficking and labour trafficking and prescribed penalties of five years to life imprisonment and a fine of not less than Tk 50,000. However, a vested quarter among bureaucrats and politicians facilitated human trafficking. Even some local politicians convince victims to accept payment from recruitment sub-agents not to report fraudulent or exploitative labour recruitment actions to the police.
The government said it will continue its relentless efforts to curb crime as per international commitments and national policies. Law enforcers are using information and communication technology to effectively combat the crime through four domains: awareness building, reporting, rescue, and prosecution of traffickers. We think cumulative efforts from all sectors are required to address the challenges of trafficking and illegal migration.
