Bangladesh Steps Up Anti-Trafficking Efforts, US Says

Bangladesh has stepped up efforts to combat human trafficking but continues to face significant gaps in convicting traffickers, identifying victims and protecting vulnerable groups, according to a US report released on October 8.

The 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report said Bangladesh did not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking, although it was making significant efforts to do so. The country remained on Tier 2, reflecting increased overall efforts compared with the previous reporting period.

The report acknowledged several steps taken by the government, including the adoption of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Ordinance 2026 to strengthen the legal framework against trafficking.

Other efforts included increasing investigations and prosecutions, updating guidelines on trafficking crimes and victim identification, and piloting a digital National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to improve the speed and coordination of referrals to protection services.

The government also strengthened protections for migrant workers to reduce their vulnerability to trafficking.

However, the report identified persistent shortcomings. It said the government convicted fewer traffickers and failed to take adequate action against internal trafficking, which remained widespread.

Authorities also identified fewer trafficking victims, while protection and reintegration services remained insufficient, particularly for Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi migrant workers returning from abroad.

The report further noted that the continued practice of charging migrant workers recruitment fees left many in debt, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking.

US calls for accountability

US Department of State spokesperson Thomas Tommy Pigott said human trafficking directly attacks the values of freedom and dignity.

The 2026 report highlighted how criminal organisations and repressive regimes exploit trafficking for financial gain, he said.

It also called for governments to be held accountable when they fail to punish traffickers and protect their citizens.

The Trump administration would use available tools to combat traffickers and those who enable them and bring them to justice, Pigott said.