Aug 04 (V7N) — Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government is pursuing integrated border management as a key strategy to prevent human trafficking, curb cross-border crimes and strengthen national security.
"Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes. Most victims become targets due to greed, lack of knowledge and lack of awareness," he said.
He made the remarks during a meeting with International Organization for Migration (IOM) Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels at the UN House in Gulshan.
The minister said Bangladesh remains committed to ensuring safe, orderly and dignified migration, adding that integrated border management will play a crucial role in preventing human trafficking and other transnational crimes.
He highlighted the government's steps to strengthen migration governance, protect migrants and enhance border security, describing IOM as one of the Home Ministry's most trusted development partners for over two decades. Ahmed also asked whether IOM maintains information on human trafficking networks.
In reply, Daniels said the organization can help identify trafficking syndicates and has data on global human trafficking trends, which it shares in collaboration with Interpol.
She reaffirmed IOM's commitment to assist Bangladesh in promoting safe migration and emphasized the need for integrated information management to effectively combat human trafficking.
The meeting reviewed the long-standing partnership between the Home Ministry and IOM and discussed future areas of cooperation. Newly appointed IOM Chief of Mission in Bangladesh Dr. Laura Tomm-Bonde and senior officials from both sides were present.
END/AJ/RH
