DHAKA, Jan 11, 2024 (BSS) - The US Embassy Dhaka celebrated National Human
Trafficking Awareness Day and reflected upon its continued partnership with
Bangladesh to prevent human trafficking, prosecute traffickers and provide
for survivors.

"The United States is committed to partnering with Bangladesh each and every
day to protect the most vulnerable, to bring traffickers to justice, and to
once and for all end the scourge of human trafficking," said US ambassador to
Bangladesh Peter Haas on the occasion.

Working together with Bangladesh to combat human trafficking is a great
example of how the two countries can collaborate to stop those who exploit
people for profit, the envoy said.

In 2023, the US Embassy and the US Department of Justice's International
Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Programme (ICITAP) and Overseas
Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) conducted human
trafficking training for more than 200 investigators, financial analysts,
prosecutors, and judges throughout Bangladesh.

These capacity-building programmes are conducted in partnership with the
Bangladesh government and provide expert assistance, victim-centered skills
development and case-based mentoring to Bangladeshi counterparts.
 
Together, ICITAP and OPDAT conducted 48 training sessions in Bangladesh, and
ICITAP partnered with USAID-funded activities to engage in community outreach
programs to raise awareness about the dangers of trafficking and educate
communities on how to identify and report potential cases.
 
These efforts reflect a holistic strategy to involve law enforcement, the
community, and NGOs.