Holistic approach needed to prevent human trafficking

RAJSHAHI, Dec 28 (BSS): Speakers at a workshop here Wednesday underscored the need for formulating a plan of action to prevent women and child trafficking. Besides, they recommended collective efforts of all government and non-government organizations concerned together with the public representatives to free the society from the heinous crime. Partner, Rajshahi, a rights-based development organization,organized the workshop titled "Combat Trafficking Women and Children" with assistance of donor agency Diakonia at the conference hall of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. With Executive Director of Partner Abdus Sobhan Mian in the chair, Senior ASP of Rapid Action Battalion Shahidullah and District Women Affairs Officer Muhmuda Begum addressed the workshop as special guests. Assistant Professors Dr Tahmina Naznin and Zinatul Islam of Rajshahi University were the keynote presenters on the issue while Prof ANK Noman of the same university spoke as panel discussant. The speakers mentioned that poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, drug-addiction and cross-border trade have so far been identified as the main reasons behind the trafficking of women and children. Around 50 persons including lawyers, law enforcers, government and non- government officials and other stakeholders attended the workshop discussing ways and means on how to free the society from social crime.