Young students pledge to combat human trafficking, migrant smuggling

A dynamic university-level youth network comprising approximately 150 students from 22 public and private universities has been launched to strengthen awareness and collective action against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) in Bangladesh.

The initiative is led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and in collaboration with Eastern University, said a press release.

It forms part of a European Union (EU)-funded regional programme, Preventing and Addressing Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants.

Speaking as chief guest, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs Rebeka Khan underscored the critical role of youth engagement in combating these crimes, emphasising that today’s students are the future judges, prosecutors, and policymakers, and equipping them with the right knowledge and values is essential for strengthening the rule of law.

Law Enforcement Adviser at UNODC Marcus Pias highlighted the importance of such initiatives in enhancing students’ understanding of the complexities of trafficking and migrant smuggling, encouraging them to contribute actively within their communities and future professions.

Vice chancellor of Eastern University emphasised the importance of strong partnerships between academia, government institutions, UN agencies, and development partners, noting that collaborative approaches are key to achieving sustainable progress.

The workshop included sessions on national and international legal frameworks of TIP and SOM, with a focus on victim-centred approaches, delivered by Tasneem Binta Karim, national programme coordinator at UNODC Bangladesh.

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A practical session was conducted by Additional Superintendent of Police Mustafizur Rahman from the Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) Cell of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). ABM Imdadul Haque Khan, dean, School of Law, Eastern University, also highlighted the evolving legal framework, including the newly promulgated Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Smuggling (PSHTMS) 2026.

The event brought together students, academics, law enforcement officials, and policymakers, fostering a platform for knowledge exchange on TIP and SOM as forms of transnational organised crime. Participating universities included: Eastern University; University of Dhaka; Jagannath University; North South University; BRAC University; Dhaka International University; East West University; Daffodil International University; Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB); Southeast University; Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT); London College of Legal Studies (South); University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB); University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS); American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB); Northern University Bangladesh; University of Asia Pacific; Green University of Bangladesh; Bangladesh Maritime University, among others.

This initiative marks an important step in building a proactive youth network committed to preventing human trafficking and migrant smuggling. As ambassadors within their institutions and communities, these students are expected to play a key role in raising awareness and supporting prevention efforts.