Desk Report:
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has expressed hope that the new law (Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026) will play a very strict and effective role in preventing the misuse of digital platforms and technology by organized criminal groups and in suppressing human trafficking and migrant smuggling. He said that in line with the ever-changing strategies of criminal groups, our legal and institutional capacity has also been upgraded to international standards.
The minister said these things while speaking as the chief guest at the National Dissemination Meeting on the ‘Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026’ organized at the Ruposhi Bangla Grand Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental in the capital on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) morning. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Justice and Care, Bangladesh to further strengthen Bangladesh’s commitment to combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling through a modern legal and institutional framework.
The event was chaired by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Manzoor Morshed Chowdhury, and was attended by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cook, US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T. Christensen, Inspector General of Bangladesh Police, Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Md. Ziaul Haque, Director General of BGB, Major General Md. Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed.
In his speech, the Minister reiterated the strong and unwavering commitment of the Government of Bangladesh to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling through strong legislation, effective institutional coordination and a victim-centered criminal justice system. He said that the newly enacted “Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Prevention and Suppression Act, 2026” is an important milestone in Bangladesh’s efforts to combat these serious transnational crimes. He added that close cooperation between government institutions, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, development partners and civil society is essential for the successful implementation of the new law.
The Minister added that the new law clearly defines human trafficking and migrant smuggling as separate crimes; establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the criminalization and prosecution of migrant smuggling; strengthens the capacity to conduct investigations and trials; further strengthens the protection of victims and witnesses; and expands the scope of international cooperation in line with international standards. At the same time, the law upholds the internationally recognized principle of non-punishment of victims, ensuring their dignity, rights and safety at every stage of the criminal justice process.
This national awareness-raising event provided an important opportunity to create a common and clear understanding of the new law among institutions responsible for implementing the law. Participants exchanged views on the main provisions of the law and its implementation framework. Priorities for the effective implementation of the law, including strengthening coordination at every stage of the criminal justice process, from investigation to adjudication, were also discussed.
Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are among the most serious forms of transnational organized crime. These crimes exploit vulnerable people, undermine the rule of law and pose a threat to national and regional security. Participants emphasized the need for continued national and international cooperation to prevent these crimes, protect victims and survivors, dismantle organized crime networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
Justice and Care, Bangladesh Country Director Mohammad Tariqul Islam presented the background, rationale and key provisions of the new law. This was followed by a high-level discussion on the priorities for implementation of the law and inter-institutional coordination.
The event reflected the strong leadership and coordinating role of the Ministry of Home Affairs in advancing Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The event was attended by senior representatives from Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch of Police (SB), National Security Intelligence Service (NSI), Judiciary, Prosecution, relevant ministries and government departments, diplomatic missions, various UN agencies, international organizations, development partners, national and international NGOs and civil society.
