Bangladesh Intensifies Anti-Trafficking Drive, but Key Gaps Remain: US

The Bangladesh government convicted fewer human traffickers and failed to take adequate measures to tackle widespread domestic trafficking, according to the latest US report released on October 8.

The report said Bangladesh does not fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking but is making significant efforts toward that goal. As a result of its overall increased efforts compared with the previous reporting period, the country remained on Tier 2.

The report highlighted 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. Authorities also increased investigations and prosecutions, updated guidelines for investigating trafficking crimes and identifying victims, and launched a pilot digital National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to improve the speed and coordination of referrals to protection services.

The government also enhanced safeguards for migrant workers to reduce their vulnerability to trafficking.

However, the report identified several areas where Bangladesh fell short of minimum standards. Authorities identified fewer trafficking victims, while protection and reintegration services remained inadequate, particularly for Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi migrant workers returning home.

The report also noted that the government continued to allow recruitment fees to be paid by workers, leaving many migrant workers burdened with debt and increasing their risk of exploitation and trafficking.

US Department of State spokesperson Thomas Tommy Pigott said human trafficking directly violates the values of freedom and dignity that define the United States.

He said the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report highlights emerging methods used by criminal organisations and repressive regimes to profit from the abusive practice.

The report also stressed the need to hold governments accountable when they fail to prosecute traffickers and protect their citizens.

The Trump administration will use all available tools to combat human traffickers and those who enable their activities, bringing them to justice, Pigott said.