US reaffirm commitment against human trafficking

US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat on Tuesday reaffirmed US government’s commitment to fighting against human trafficking together saying it is a critical time for Bangladesh, for this region, and for this call to action.
“Today is an important day. Today, we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to fighting human trafficking. I’m grateful to be here at such a critical time for Bangladesh, for this region, and for this call to action,” she said.
The US diplomat was addressing a function titled ‘National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking’ in the city.
State Minister of Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan, Senior Secretary of the ministry Dr M Mozammel Haque Khan, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, Law Secretary Abu Saleh Sk M Zahirul Haque and Expatiate Welfare Secretary Khandaker M Iftekhar Haider were present.
Bernicat said all are outraged by the crimes being committed upon thousands of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis who have been stranded in overcrowded boats.
“The anguish and helplessness of these people and their families has touched every one of us. Their stories put a human face on this crime and give us a clear message -- we need to be more coordinated, stringent, and strategic with our actions to combat human trafficking,” she said.
The diplomat, however, mentioned that preventing trafficking is an incredibly difficult and complex problem to tackle. “Preventing human trafficking is an especially complex challenge.”
She said it is encouraging that both governmental and civil society groups in Bangladesh have realized the significance of the cooperation and have come forward in a concerted effort to prevent, protect and prosecute those who engage in human trafficking.
“Let’s rededicate ourselves today to continuing the progress we have made thus far.  The National Plan of Action to Combat Human Trafficking is a major step in the right direction,” Bernicat said.