Dhaka: The International Organization for Migration (IOM-UN Migration) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh have initiated a 24-month project aimed at combating human trafficking facilitated through digital technologies. This partnership is a significant step forward in Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to address the growing concerns of cyber-enabled human trafficking.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the project, titled ‘Countering Cyber-Enabled Human Trafficking Through Technology,’ is funded by the IOM Development Fund and will be implemented by IOM Bangladesh in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The initiative is designed to bolster Bangladesh’s capacity to prevent and respond to the misuse of digital platforms by human traffickers.

The project will target three primary areas: enhancing evidence and knowledge, fortifying law enforcement capabilities, and improving digital literacy within communities. These efforts aim to thwart the use of social media, online platforms, and job portals by traffickers to recruit, control, and exploit individuals.

The agreement was formalized by Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, and Dr. Laura Tomm Bonde, Chief of Mission at IOM Bangladesh. The signing ceremony was attended by A. K. M. Sohel, Additional Secretary and Wing Chief of the UN Wing at ERD, along with representatives from relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and IOM.

Dr. Laura Tomm Bonde emphasized the dual nature of technology, stating, “Technology is transforming the way people communicate, seek employment, and connect with opportunities, but it can also be exploited by traffickers.” She highlighted that this project aims to ensure that technology becomes a part of the solution to human trafficking, rather than a tool for exploitation.

Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky remarked that the project supports the Government of Bangladesh’s efforts to prevent the misuse of technology for trafficking purposes while promoting its use as a countermeasure against such activities. The ultimate goal is to empower government stakeholders and communities to take informed actions to prevent, respond to, and mitigate the risks associated with cyber-enabled human trafficking.