Dhaka: The government today gave final approval to the draft of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Ordinance-2025, introducing stronger measures to combat trafficking, safeguard victims, and bring perpetrators under strict legal scrutiny. The Council of Advisers gave the approval at its weekly meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) here with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, after the meeting, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon, saying, “Human trafficking remains a serious concern for Bangladesh, with many people-particularly women and children-being deceived, financially exploited and trafficked abroad.” He emphasized that the issue is not only a humanitarian tragedy but also deeply damaging to the image of the nation.
The ordinance, discussed extensively last week with particular focus on cases of organ trafficking, incorporates new provisions to address this issue. Shafiqul Alam highlighted incidents involving individuals from northern districts such as Joypurhat and Bogura who were trafficked for organ transplantation, which the new law specifically aims to combat.
The final approval of the ordinance followed an extensive discussion with the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, acknowledging that women and children are disproportionately vulnerable. Bangladesh ratified the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) in 2000 and enacted its first anti-trafficking law in 2012. The new ordinance updates the legal framework to reflect international standards, particularly the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air (SOM Protocol).
Under the new law, individuals suspected of involvement in trafficking may, upon court order, face freezing of bank accounts, seizure of assets, and restrictions on foreign travel during investigation. Ensuring justice for trafficking victims is a core objective of the law, emphasized Alam.
With the rise of online platforms used for recruitment and deceptive advertising in human trafficking, one of the primary goals of this ordinance is to curb digital methods of trafficking. The ordinance also includes provisions to protect witnesses and prevent forced compromise, addressing the pressure victims often face to settle or withdraw complaints.