Human trafficking: A major threat to Bangladesh’s image
Human trafficking from Bangladesh to other countries has been a long-standing problem; but in recent times it has speed into every nook and cranny of society.
The scourge of human trafficking not only causes personal harm; rather, it also degrades the image of the country.
As a result, the quality of our passports is gradually decreasing, and Bangladesh’s name is being viewed with suspicion in the international arena.
It must be remembered that like the image of an individual, the image of a country also exists.
This damaged image makes it difficult to restore the old trust and confidence, even after many diplomatic efforts.
A report published in the national daily on Sunday tells us that we are moving towards an abyss in our image abroad.
The stories of many Bangladeshi citizens who have recently returned from Libya are heartbreaking.
When we hear about the many painful incidents from among the 176 recent returnees from Libya, it not only arouses sympathy but also a sense of deep concern.
The story is similar – paying high prices for the promises spread by various brokers in the dream of emigrating, arriving abroad and being held captive in unknown territory, beaten with iron rods, deprived of food, and demanding ransom from the family.
Even there have even been cases of deaths as a result of being abandoned in the desert.
A BRAC study has revealed that 93 percent of migrants are trapped in cages en route to Europe and 79 percent witness physical abuse. From 2009 to 2023, more than 70,000 Bangladeshis have attempted to cross the Mediterranean route to Europe.
This is not just a statistic; it is a story of destitute families, broken dreams, and untimely deaths. The blame does not lie solely with the brokers: the state’s failure is also clear.
Where the lack of employment is glaring, the lack of good governance is persistent, and corruption is rampant – a segment of the youth is lured by the dream of an uncertain life abroad. Trafficking gangs exploit their desperation and conduct inhumane trade.
In this way, not only are individual lives destroyed, but the image of the nation is also tarnished. What can be done then? First, it is essential to establish good internal governance.
We must not forget that every person in Bangladesh represents our country abroad.
Therefore, if a large number of people continue to try to go abroad illegally, at some point the trust and confidence of the developed countries in the common people of our country will be destroyed. Nothing can be more terrible than this.