Strengthening capacity to fight human trafficking

A daylong seminar on human trafficking and safe migration was held at Asian University for Women (AUW) at Mehedibag in Chattogram city yesterday.

The seminar was jointly organised by Rights Jessore, USAID and Brac. Prof Nirmala Rao, vice chancellor of AUW, inaugurated the programme at 10am.

“AUW is committed to advance the health and social well-being of our students and faculty to strengthen their capacity for fighting against human trafficking,” said Nirmala in her opening remarks.

A presentation by the students of the university followed next, where the elements, causes and consequences of human trafficking and many other serious issues regarding the matter were depicted. Assistant Professor Selim Reza of Development Studies at AUW coordinated the presentation.

Representatives from Rights Jessore, a human rights organisation, presented case studies illustrating different practical challenges to combat the issue in Bangladesh.

Shariful Islam, head of Brac’s migration programme, discussed the social integration of victims of human trafficking and challenges Bangladesh and other Asian countries face to tackle the issue.