Draft Law on Trafficking
Implementation stressed
Speakers at a press conference yesterday praised the draft comprehensive law on human trafficking and emphasised its proper implementation.
They also highlighted the flaws of the existing law and placed recommendations to incorporate those in the draft.
Pointing out that they are not against safe migration, the speakers said the law will help prevent the crime perpetrated in the name of migration.
Centre for Women and Children Studies (CWCS), Association for Community Development (ACD), Beam of Light of Development for the Deprived, and Bangladesh Migration Development Forum jointly organised the press conference at the National Press Club in the city following workshops in different districts on the draft law.
The foremost challenge of any law is its implementation, said Salma Ali, executive director of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association. “So we must discuss the law before its finalisation to avert any misuse of it.”
She said the existing law does not give opportunity of bilateral agreement for taking immediate action to bring the trafficking victims back home.
The draft law offers justice for all victims irrespective of their age and sex, said Salma, adding that it also states about bilateral agreement, protection of victims and witnesses, camera trial, and videoconference.
She suggested formulation of specific tribunal to dispose of the case within three months and thus ensure justice.
Salima Sarwar, executive director of ACD, said they had analysed the trafficking situation and the social and legal problems faced by the victims in eight districts.
She stressed the need to arrange speedy trails at district levels as well as ensuring rescue, reintegration, repatriation, and psychosocial council.
CWCS President Prof Ishrat Shamim said men too have been increasingly trafficked in last 4 to 5 years.
She stressed the need for clear definition of trafficking in the draft law where internal and external trafficking should be clearly included.
The speakers also emphasised the need for coordination and strong monitoring to ensure justice.
Sukumar Ghosh, executive director of Beam of Light of Development for the Deprived, and Syed Mahbub Elahi, vice president of Bangladesh Migration Development Forum, also spoke among others.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
Related News
Boy found dead in Ctg monastery
5 July 2022, 18:00 PM
Crime & Justice
Eid joy marred by tragedy
5 July 2022, 18:00 PM
Bangladesh
Sitakunda Blast: Who started the fire?
5 July 2022, 18:00 PM
Accidents & Fires
Railway’s east zone reels from manpower crisis
5 July 2022, 18:00 PM
Transport
Barred from rally at Suhrawardy, BNP to hold protest across country tomorrow
13 November 2016, 07:30 AM
Politics
Comments