Tough law to help reduce human trafficking

They stressed the need for immediate enactment of strict laws and proper protection to both victims and witnesses to check trafficking.

Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA) organised the training workshop on "Women and child trafficking: Resistance, protection and ensuring punishment of the traffickers" for professionals at Chittagong Club on Thursday.

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Speaking as chief guest, Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury said juvenile and women prisoners are kept in jails in deplorable conditions.

"You better make a list of the children and women prisoners now languishing in jails, find out the reasons why they are there and then take steps to bring them out," he urged the BNWLA.

He emphasised continuation of legal battle, where necessary, until justice is meted out to the victims.

He also cautioned lawyers about loopholes in laws.

Assistant High Commissioner of India in Chittagong Ashoke Das said a powerful network is active in India in trafficking women from Bangladesh.

Noted social scientist Prof Dr Anupam Sen blamed capitalism increase in trafficking in some countries. Resident Editor of Prothom Alo Abul Momen said, Bangladesh's society is male-dominated. Women's empowerment will greatly contribute to reducing trafficking.

BNWLA Executive Director Salma Ali briefed the participants about activities of the organisation. She said 28 Legal Aid Clinics are working in the country under the supervision of BNWLA to render better services to the victims of trafficking and violence.

Salma Ali said, "Around 80 per cent of the cases we usually deal with originates from family problems."

BNWLA member Wahida Idris delivered the address of welcome while programme coordinators Bashir Ullah and Masud Parvez presented some documentaries and papers on trafficking.