News Flash
RAJSHAHI, March 4, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at separate meetings in Paba upazila today underscored the need to ensure legal migration and strengthen coordinated efforts to prevent human trafficking and enhance child protection.
A monthly meeting of the Upazila Human Trafficking Prevention Committee and a meeting of the Child Welfare Board were held at the Upazila Parishad conference room in Paba. The meetings were organized by the Paba Upazila Administration with support from Justice and Care.
Human trafficking and smuggling not only endanger lives but are also illegal and highly profitable criminal activities, the meetings observed. Emphasis was placed on creating awareness among families about following proper legal procedures for overseas employment and migration.
The sessions were chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arafat Aman Aziz. He said raising awareness and ensuring strict enforcement of laws are crucial to preventing human trafficking.
"Every family must follow legal migration processes. Through the committee, we are taking firm steps to curb human trafficking by maintaining regular coordination, monitoring and awareness activities," he said.
He added that ensuring safe and legal migration is a collective responsibility, as it helps protect families and society at large.
During the meetings, detailed discussions were held on the scope, roles and implementation mechanisms of the Human Trafficking Prevention Committee.
Md. Siraj Uddin Belal, Head of Program at Justice and Care, presented the keynote paper, while Program Officer Jannatul Anjum Orpi elaborated on the objectives and operational framework of the committee.
Moderated by Mohammad Hossain Khan of the Paba Upazila Social Services Office, the meetings were also addressed by Officer-in-Charge of RMP Airport Police Station Masuma Mostari, Women Affairs Officer Fatema Khatun, Youth Development Officer Zahurul Islam and Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Asaduzzaman.
All speakers highlighted the importance of sustained awareness campaigns, effective law enforcement and adherence to legal migration procedures to prevent human trafficking.
The meetings noted that proper implementation of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012 and the Overseas Employment and Migrants Act, 2013 would further strengthen the committee's activities.
Participants expressed optimism that regular implementation of action plans, coordinated monitoring and expanded awareness initiatives could effectively curb human trafficking and promote safe and orderly migration.
