US Report: Bangladesh Makes Efforts Against Human Trafficking But More Work Needed
Bangladesh is making significant efforts to stop human trafficking, but has not yet met all international standards. This information comes from a new report by the US Department of State. The annual Trafficking in Persons Report for 2026 was published recently on the US Department of State website.
The report places Bangladesh on Tier 2. This means the Bangladesh government is working hard to fight human trafficking. However, it has not fully reached all the minimum standards required. Other countries in this tier include India, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Countries that fully meet the standards are placed on Tier 1. Those making no significant efforts are on Tier 3.
The government of Bangladesh has shown more effort compared to the last reporting period. It passed a new law, the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Ordinance 2026. This law helps strengthen the legal system against trafficking. Authorities also increased investigations and legal actions against traffickers. They updated guidelines for identifying human trafficking crimes and victims.
Bangladesh also started a new digital system. This system helps connect victims with protection services faster and better. The government improved protections for migrant workers. This step aims to reduce their risk of becoming trafficking victims abroad.
Despite these efforts, Bangladesh still faces important challenges. The report noted that fewer human traffickers were convicted compared to the previous period. The government did not fully address internal trafficking crimes. These crimes remain widespread inside the country.
The report also found problems with victim support. Authorities identified fewer victims in the past year. Protection and reintegration help for victims were not enough. This was especially true for Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshis returning from working in other countries. Also, workers still pay recruitment fees. This practice creates debt for many migrant workers. This debt makes them more vulnerable to trafficking.
