A Legal Analysis on Prevention of Women Trafficking in Bangladesh: Challenges and Possible Way Out
Dr. Md. Nayem Alimul Hyder[1]
[1] Associate Professor & Head, Department of Law, Bangladesh Army International University of Science and Technology, Cumilla. Email: dr.nayem@baiust.ac.bd, lawmnahyder@yahoo.com
Mostafizur Rahaman[2]
[2] Assistant Professor and Chairman, Department of Law, CCN University of Science & Technology, Cumilla. Email: mostafiz.law1992@gmail.com
Abstract
Human trafficking is not only a regional challenge but also a universal issue. It is performed for different purposes like labor, prostitution, organ transplant, drug couriers, arm smuggling etc. In recent times trafficking of women is being amplified terrifyingly due to globalization and liberalization. There are several factors behind the extremity of human trafficking in Bangladesh; for instance, poverty, unemployment, economic and social discrepancy, overpopulation, slow-moving and corrupted security system, social obligations of women and children (especially female children) etc. The parliament of Bangladesh has enacted Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking (PSHT) Act, 2012 to dissolve the human trafficking crisis. The major purpose of this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of existing state mechanisms and laws regarding prevention of human trafficking, especially women trafficking in Bangladesh. This paper has tried to discuss aspects of women trafficking and highlights on some steps to prevent it. Qualitative and quantitative approaches have been applied in this study. The available primary and secondary data substantiate that trafficking has become a major issue of concern and its intensity is increasing day by day in Bangladesh. It is also found that existing social structure, economic system, cultural condition, geographical setting and ineffective implementation of existing laws are responsible for trafficking of women. In the last stage of this paper, it has been suggested that comprehensive efforts are needed from legislative, executive and judiciary branches of the government to prevent trafficking as well as to reintegrate the trafficked victims with the main stream of population.
Keywords: Women Trafficking, Penal Code 1860, Human Trafficking Deterrence and Suppression Act 2012, Bangladesh