Zero Tolerance Against Human Trafficking and Online Scams: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad reaffirmed the government's strict "zero tolerance" policy against human trafficking and technology-driven crimes on Thursday. Speaking at a national dialogue in Dhaka he warned the public about the rapidly evolving nature of these threats.

Criminal syndicates are increasingly abandoning traditional methods, instead weaponizing digital platforms and social media to target vulnerable youth and job seekers. Lured by fake online recruitment portals and false promises of lucrative overseas employment victims are frequently held captive in cyber scam centers and coerced into criminal activities under severe abuse.

To combat this modernized threat Bangladesh has enacted the 'Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (Prevention and Suppression) Act 2026'. Aligned with international standards the new law introduces strict penalties for online scams and forced criminality. Furthermore authorities are finalizing a 2026–2030 National Action Plan focused on prevention protection prosecution and partnership.

Protecting victims remains a core priority. The government is strengthening the National Referral Mechanism to ensure rapid rescue legal support and rehabilitation. Additionally a new state-of-the-art digital platform is being developed to track cases and aid evidence-based policymaking. The minister urged a coordinated public-private response, calling on tech firms civil society and the media to raise awareness against fraudulent recruitment and ensure safe migration.