Govt maintains “zero tolerance” against human trafficking, online scams: Home minister
Bangladesh intensifies crackdown on trafficking and technology-enabled scam networks.
The government is giving the highest priority to protecting citizens from human trafficking and technology-enabled crimes and remains firmly committed to maintaining a "zero tolerance" policy against international trafficking and scam networks exploiting digital platforms, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Today (30 July).
He made the remarks at a national dialogue titled "Trapped Behind the Scam: Ending Human Trafficking for Forced Criminality", at a hotel in the capital to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026, jointly organised by the Home Ministry, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Counter-Trafficking Technical Working Group of the UN Migration Network.
The minister said human trafficking has become increasingly complex and its forms are constantly changing.
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Criminal networks are now using digital platforms, fake online recruitment websites and social media to lure young people and jobseekers, he said.
"Victims are being taken abroad with false promises of attractive employment and a better future. They are then held captive in cyber scam centres, subjected to severe abuse and intimidation, and forced to engage in criminal activities," he said.
Salahuddin said trafficking networks are increasingly exploiting digital technologies to facilitate their crimes.
Highlighting the government's initiatives to combat human trafficking, the minister said Bangladesh has achieved a "historic milestone" by framing the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (Prevention and Suppression) Act, 2026, in line with international standards.
He said the new law was formulated in accordance with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and its relevant protocols.
The law brings modern forms of crime, including online scams, technology-driven deception and forcing victims into criminal activities, under strict punishment, he said.
At the same time, the government is working to update the Human Trafficking Prevention and Suppression Rules, 2017 to accelerate implementation of the law, the minister said.
The Home Ministry is also finalising the National Action Plan (2026-2030) in consultation with relevant stakeholders, he said.
The plan will further strengthen four key pillars of combating trafficking- prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership, said the minister.
Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Monzur Morshed Chowdhury chaired the national dialogue.
Law and Justice Division Secretary Md Liakat Ali Mollah, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, EU Chargé d'Affaires Baiba Zarina, and IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission and UN Migration Network Coordinator Dr Laura Tomm Bonde also spoke as special guests.
Bangladesh Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Hoque and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Additional Director General Brigadier General Md Sohrab Hossain Bhuiyan were also present.
Senior government officials from various ministries, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international development partners, law enforcement officials and media representatives attended the national dialogue.
