Highest punishment demanded for traffickers

This was stated by speakers at a workshop on 'Resistance of Women and Children Trafficking and Ensuring Trial of Traffickers', held at the Sylhet City Corporation auditorium on Wednesday.

Traffickers should be given the "highest punishment", the speakers said.

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Sylhet City Corporation ward commissioners, lawyers, journalists, NGO representatives, educationists and representatives of law enforcing agencies joined the day-long workshop organised by the Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA).

Mayor Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran was the chief gust at the inaugural session with advocate Touhida Khondaker of BNWLA in the chair.

Principal of Sylhet Government Mohila College Shamsunnahar and Special Public Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal for Nari O Shishu Nirjatan Domon Adalat Ashique Uddin Ahmed spoke as special guests.

The speakers said greater Sylhet has become vulnerable for trafficking as it has border with Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura. The organised gangs are more active now. Seven minor boys trafficked from different areas of Habiganj district returned home recently, they mentioned.

Mayor Kamran also stressed on creating mass awareness to stop such crimes.

Advocate Touhida Khondaker called for strict enforcement of laws against trafficking and cooperation from people of all walks with BNWLA in its efforts in creating mass awareness and helping the victims.

Starting in 1991, BNWLA rescues the victims, keeps them in its shelter homes, extends legal aid and rehabilitates them in their families and societies.