The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Lalmonirhat

Speakers at a meeting have stressed the need for concerted efforts of all to stop human trafficking in the country.

They said the problems like illiteracy, poverty and lack of adequate awareness are responsible for trafficking of women and children. Kaliganj Upazila Nari O Shishu Pachar Protirodh Committee organised the meeting at Tushbhander Mohila College auditorium in Kaliganj upazila on Thursday with the assistance of The Legal Aid Project of RDRS.

Members of the civil society, professionals, public representatives and women leaders took part in the meeting with local elite Nur Islam in the chair. Local branch Manager of Sonali Bank Masud Rana attended it as the chief guest. Acting chairman of Tushbhander UP Joynal Abedin, President of Upazila Peshajibi Committee Mokhlesur Rahman, its secretary Refaz Uddin and RDRS executive Rahela Khatun spoke as the special guests. The meeting was told that about 20,000 women and children are being trafficked annually from the country through various routes and over one million women and children have so far been trafficked since the independence of the country.

They said four-lakh Ban-gladeshi women and children are engaged in sex business in India and more than 50,000 in the Middle East and Pakistan.

The speakers underscored the need for creating awareness among the vulnerable group, especially poorer section of the poverty stricken areas in the country to stop the unholy business.