Govt to bring back trafficking victims: Kamal

The government will bring back Bangladeshi human trafficking victims after coordinating with the countries concerned, said State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today.

“Our Navy and Coast Guard are ready and in coordination with Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries concerned we can bring back the trafficking victims,” Asaduzzaman said during a Meet the Press event at the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters’ Forum this afternoon.

Besides, coordination among the foreign ministry, expatriates’ welfare ministry and home ministry is also required in this regard, the minister added.

“The prime minister has directed us to adopt zero tolerance against human trafficking and stern actions will be taken against any person involved in trafficking even if they are from politics or administration.”

The victims are mostly ethnic Rohingyas from Myanmar who are living in Bangladesh illegally, the minister said, and claimed that Bangladeshis usually do not undertake the journey via boat and cross inaccessible hilly areas spanning over 450 square miles.

The minister also said Bangladesh government has decided to distribute identification cards to boatmen, and bring the boats under registration to prevent human trafficking.

On a separate note, Asaduzzaman said, “Detectives are trying to find out the people who gave death threats to the Dhaka University vice-chancellor and a fellow professor yesterday.

“The government will provide protection to them [VC and the professor]. They are being targeted for their pro-liberation sentiments.”

Regarding BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, the minister said, “We are trying to bring him back through legal process.”

About corruption cases of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the minister said, “Judges will decide on the charges. Whatever verdict is meted out, that will be implemented.”

The minister also said, “Red alert has been issued against Tarique Zia (BNP leader Tarique Rahman). We are trying to bring him back, but there are legal complexities as he has sought political asylum.”

Meanwhile, regarding the attacks on 19 journalists during the April 28 city corporation elections, the state minister said the government is taking legal measures in this connection.