Prime Minister’s political adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called for rule of law, expanded education and grassroots cultural awareness to combat human trafficking in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on July 30, 2026, at a national seminar at Dhaka University’s R C Majumdar Arts Auditorium marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The Dhaka University Journalists’ Association and Bangladesh Art Criticism Trust jointly organized the seminar, titled “Role of Media and Culture in Preventing Human Trafficking.”

Rizvi said declining cultural activities have reduced public awareness and increased criminal tendencies. He said education should enable even illiterate people at the grassroots to contact local authorities and avoid fraud, exploitation, violence and trafficking. State Minister for Social Welfare Barrister Farzana Sharmin said journalists can play an important role through evidence- and data-based investigative reporting, while stressing coordinated work with domestic and foreign organizations for survivor protection and rehabilitation.

Professor Rezaul Karim Sohag said forced labour, and the exploitation of children and women, remain concerning alongside cross-border trafficking. He urged effective implementation of the re-enacted Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, 2026. This year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” focused on awareness of trafficking, cyber slavery and digital exploitation concealed behind online fraud.