ENSLAVEMENT ACROSS BORDERS : THE CASE OF TRAFFICKING IN WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN BANGLADESH

This article provides a harrowing case study of human trafficking, which it describes as a modern form of "enslavement across borders," with a specific focus on the trafficking of women and children from and through Bangladesh. It examines the root causes of this phenomenon, linking it to extreme poverty, lack of opportunity, gender inequality, and porous borders. The study details the modus operandi of the trafficking networks, from the process of recruitment with false promises to the brutal exploitation of the victims in destination countries. The research analyzes the primary routes and destinations for trafficking from Bangladesh. The paper also provides a critical assessment of the response to this crisis, both from the government of Bangladesh and from the international community and NGOs. The analysis concludes that combating trafficking requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach that addresses not only the criminal networks but also the underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities that make people susceptible to being trafficked.

The trafficking of human beings, particularly women and children, is a grave violation of human rights and a major transnational security threat. This paper provides a detailed case study of this tragic phenomenon in the context of Bangladesh. The analysis begins by exploring the deep-seated root causes that fuel the trafficking industry. It argues that trafficking is not a random crime but a structured business that preys on the extreme vulnerability created by poverty, social marginalization, and a lack of educational and economic opportunities, particularly for women and girls. The core of the article is a detailed account of the trafficking process itself, from the deceptive recruitment tactics used by local agents to the brutal realities of exploitation faced by the victims, which includes forced prostitution, bonded labor, and domestic servitude. The paper maps out the major trafficking routes, both by land to India and by sea to other destinations. The second part of the study is a critical evaluation of the anti-trafficking response. It examines the legal framework in Bangladesh and the challenges of effective law enforcement, including corruption and a lack of cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries. It also highlights the crucial role of NGOs in rescuing and rehabilitating survivors. The findings lead to a clear conclusion: a purely law-enforcement-based approach is insufficient. The paper advocates for a comprehensive strategy that combines vigorous prosecution of traffickers with a long-term investment in poverty reduction, girls' education, and women's empowerment to address the root causes of vulnerability.