In Bangladesh, illegal trade involving vital human organs, including kidneys and livers, has been going on for years. By 2011, this trade increased significantly, prompting law enforcement to take action, resulting in numerous arrests and a subsequent reduction in illegal activities. However, this illicit trade has seen resurgence recently. Recent news reports revealed that at least 22 kidney brokers are active across the country, including in Dhaka.
In the past few years, many people have fallen victim to these brokers, losing their kidneys. Those who have sold a kidney under duress often live in poor health and suffer greatly. According to current Bangladeshi law, selling kidneys is illegal. The Transplantation of Human Body Organs Act 1999 explicitly prohibits organ sales in Section 9.
Under the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2018, only 22 types of close relatives are allowed to donate a kidney to save a patient's life. These relatives are thoroughly screened before transplantation. Due to these restrictions, brokers deceive and lure needy individuals to India, where they are coerced or tricked into selling their kidneys. Recently, brokers have become more audacious, even advertising their services on social media.
One such ad reads: "Do you need a kidney transplant? Don't worry about where to do it, whom to go through, or where to find a donor-we handle all aspects of the transplant on a package basis." A check on their Facebook Messenger page confirmed the existence of these ads.
Reports indicate that brokers earn between 1 to 2 million from each kidney transplant, while the donors or sellers receive only 0.2 million. In Joypurhat, among the three hundred people who sold their kidneys in 2011, those still alive report constant illness and an inability to afford treatment.
Globally, there are two types of kidney donors: those from 'clinically dead' individuals and voluntary donations from next of kin. The former is not practised in Bangladesh, and the latter is extremely limited. As a result, many patients' relatives fall prey to brokers. We urge the strict enforcement of existing laws to stop the illegal activities of these brokers.
Asif Islam
Student
Jahangirnagar University