The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has concluded a multi-year initiative to combat human trafficking and promote safe migration in Bangladesh.
The Final Dissemination Workshop of the “Comprehensive Counter Trafficking Programme to Address Human Trafficking in Bangladesh” was held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of the programme, according to a press release.
Implemented from 2020 to 2025 with a total budget of approximately $5.8 million, the programme supported national efforts to strengthen “prevention, protection, and prosecution systems in the country”.
According to the organisers, 1,073 government officials, including law enforcement, border security personnel, and justice sector actors, were trained to effectively identify, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking cases.
A total of 2,683 stakeholders, including judges, public prosecutors, Counter-Trafficking Committee members, and law students, enhanced their knowledge and skills to apply the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking (PSHT) Act effectively.
The programme also developed three training modules for judges, law enforcement and border security personnel, and CTC members, as well as one post-graduate curriculum.
All identified victims in target districts received victim-centred prevention and protection services, with 1,000 victims of trafficking receiving improved protection services. Some 300 victims received sustainable and integrated reintegration support, including 50 percent female beneficiaries.
A “Halfway Home” was established in Benapole for survivor support, and more than one million people were reached through awareness campaigns.
KOICA Country Director Jihoon Kim said human trafficking remains a serious challenge that requires coordinated and sustained efforts.
“Through this programme, KOICA has supported a comprehensive and victim-centred approach in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and stakeholders. We believe the achievements and lessons from this initiative will continue to contribute to national efforts in addressing human trafficking,” he said.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Ziauddin Ahmed said the government is firmly committed to combating human trafficking through strengthened systems, legal frameworks, and coordinated action.
“This programme has made meaningful contributions to enhancing our national capacity,” he said.
IOM Chief of Mission (AI) Giuseppe Loprete said the initiative highlights the importance of partnerships and a survivor-centred approach.
“The progress achieved provides a strong foundation for continued efforts in Bangladesh,” he added.
The workshop was also attended by UNODC Head of Office Shah Mohammad Naheeaan and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Hasan Mahmudul Islam, along with government officials, development partners, UN agencies, and civil society representatives.
While the programme concludes, stakeholders emphasised the importance of sustaining its achievements through continued national leadership, institutional strengthening, and collaboration.
