US Ambassador Haas highlights importance of working with Bangladesh to combat human trafficking

UNB, Dhaka :

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said working together with Bangladesh to combat human trafficking is a great example of how the two countries can collaborate to stop those who exploit people for profit.

“While today we honor those who help end the crime of human trafficking, the United States is committed to partnering with Bangladesh each and every day to protect the most vulnerable, to bring traffickers to justice, and to once and for all end the scourge of human trafficking,” he said.

The US Embassy in Dhaka celebrated National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and reflected upon its continued partnership with Bangladesh to prevent human trafficking, prosecute traffickers, and provide for survivors.

In 2023, the US Embassy and the US Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) and Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) conducted human trafficking training for more than 200 investigators, financial analysts, prosecutors, and judges throughout Bangladesh.

These capacity-building programs are conducted in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and provide expert assistance, victim-centered skills development, and case-based mentoring to Bangladeshi counterparts, said the Embassy on Thursday.

Together, ICITAP and OPDAT conducted 48 training sessions in Bangladesh, and ICITAP partnered with USAID-funded activities to engage in community outreach programs to raise awareness about the dangers of trafficking and educate communities on how to identify and report potential cases.

These efforts reflect a holistic strategy to involve law enforcement, the community, and NGOs, said the US government.