Bangladesh steps up anti-trafficking efforts but gaps persist: US

The government of Bangladesh convicted fewer traffickers and did not take adequate steps to address internal trafficking crimes, which remained pervasive, said the United States in its latest report released on October 8.

The government of Bangladesh does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so, said the report.

The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period; therefore, Bangladesh remained on Tier 2.

These efforts included passing the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Ordinance 2026 to strengthen the legal framework to combat trafficking, increasing investigations and prosecutions, updating the human trafficking crime and victim identification guidelines, and piloting a digital NRM to increase timeliness and coordination of referrals to protection services.

The government also strengthened protections for migrant workers to reduce vulnerabilities to trafficking.

However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.

The government identified fewer victims, and victim protection and reintegration efforts remained insufficient, particularly for Rohingya refugees and returning Bangladeshi migrant workers.

Additionally, the government continued to permit worker-paid recruitment fees that rendered many migrant workers indebted, increasing their vulnerability to trafficking.

Spokesman at the US Department of State Thomas Tommy Pigott said human trafficking is a direct assault on the values of freedom and dignity that define America. 

The 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report reveals new ways criminal organizations and repressive regimes use this abhorrent practice for financial gain.

The report also called for accountability for governments that fail to punish traffickers and protect their citizens. 

The Trump Administration will use all available tools to fight traffickers and their enablers and bring them to justice, said the Spokesman.