Gulshan: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday announced the government’s commitment to taking stringent actions against international human trafficking networks that exploit digital platforms and false online promises to ensnare victims. He made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at the launch of “Listen,” a documentary-based photo book that shares the stories of rescued survivors of human trafficking, along with the opening of a photo exhibition at the UN Building in Gulshan.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the event was organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Salahuddin highlighted that human trafficking strips individuals of their freedom and dignity and undermines the very fabric of society. He emphasized the government’s efforts to bolster both law enforcement and technological capacity, along with raising public awareness, to combat technology-driven trafficking crimes.
“The true cost of human trafficking cannot be measured by statistics alone,” Salahuddin stated, noting that the real-life stories presented in “Listen” will help raise awareness and reinforce the nation’s resolve to fight the crime. Referring to the theme of this year’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” he pointed out that organized international crime groups are increasingly forcing people across borders into cyber fraud, online scams, and forced labor.
To counteract this growing threat, Salahuddin announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon implement a special integrated initiative called Countering Cyber Enabled Human Trafficking through Technology. This program aims to rapidly detect trafficking activities occurring through digital platforms, enhance legal action against traffickers, and improve protection for victims through technological means.
Salahuddin stressed the importance of international collaboration, stating that no single country can tackle human trafficking alone. He called for stronger cooperation among law enforcement agencies, civil society, international organizations, and the media. The minister also expressed gratitude to IOM and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for their support of the initiative.
The event was addressed by IOM Deputy Director General (Operations) Ugochi Daniels, KOICA Bangladesh Country Director Jihoon Kim, and UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak. IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Dr. Laura Tomm-Bonde was also present. “Listen” stands as the country’s first documentary-based photo book, highlighting the experiences of women, men, and children who have survived human trafficking, migration-related exploitation, climate-induced displacement, and other vulnerable situations.