Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the newly enacted Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Prevention and Suppression Act, 2026 will play a strict and effective role in preventing the misuse of digital platforms and technology by organized criminal networks. He made the remarks at a national dissemination event held at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka, organized jointly by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Justice and Care, Bangladesh.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling through a robust legal framework, institutional coordination, and a victim-centered justice system. The new law clearly defines human trafficking and migrant smuggling as separate crimes, strengthens investigation and prosecution powers, enhances protection for victims and witnesses, and expands international cooperation in line with global standards. It also upholds the principle of non-punishment for victims.

Participants from law enforcement, judiciary, ministries, diplomatic missions, and international organizations discussed the law’s key provisions and implementation priorities, emphasizing coordination across all stages of the criminal justice process and the need for sustained national and international collaboration.