Thailand to assist BD in women empowerment, anti-trafficking

Thailand's Minister for Social Development and Human Security Police General Adul Saengsingkaew has expressed readiness to cooperate with Bangladesh in the areas of women empowerment and preventing human trafficking.

He mentioned this when Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Saida Muna Tasneem called on him on Monday at Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

The ambassador informed the Thai minister of various initiatives and successes of the government in enhancing women's participation in economic and political activities, promoting girls' education, rights of children, disabled, elderly and other vulnerable populations as well as for prevention of human trafficking.  

The Bangladesh ambassador informed him that 769 trafficked victims have already been repatriated, while another approximately 300 await repatriation. She thanked the Thai minister for his government's continued support and humanitarian assistance to the victims of trafficking from Bangladesh.

The Thai minister informed that prevention of human trafficking is part of their national agenda and the Thai Prime Minister himself chairs their national committee on anti-trafficking. He also mentioned that Thailand has signed MoUs with its neighbouring countries to prevent anti-trafficking, and expressed hope of signing one with Bangladesh.

In response, the ambassador proposed setting up an institutional forum of the security and law-enforcement agencies of Bangladesh and Thailand for regular exchange of information and cooperation under the umbrella of Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries.

Welcoming the Bangladesh proposal to invite women entrepreneurs in Thailand, the Thai minister hoped that it will be an excellent area of partnership to further bolster cooperation between the two countries.

    smunima@yahoo.com