Crossing the Border for Tk 30,000/40,000, Many Return from India Having Lost Everything.

Naeem Ahmed, Jaintapur-Gowainghat Sylhet. Illegal human trafficking is reportedly continuing through the border areas of Jaintapur and Gowainghat in Sylhet. A group of brokers is allegedly trafficking young men and women from different parts of the country into India through illegal routes, luring them with promises of lucrative jobs, high salaries and a better life. The brokers reportedly charge Tk 30,000 to 40,000 per person for crossing the border. According to local sources and conversations with victims, young men and women from different parts of the country are first brought to border areas with promises of employment. They are then illegally sent to India through brokers. Several individuals are allegedly involved in the process. However, many face serious trouble after crossing the border. Some are arrested by law enforcement agencies in India for allegedly entering the country illegally and have to serve time in jail. Even after returning home, they lose their money, time and dreams. Many return to their families having lost everything. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) continues regular operations and surveillance along the border to prevent human trafficking and illegal crossings. During these operations, men and women attempting to cross the border illegally, as well as alleged traffickers, are being arrested. Despite these efforts, the activities of the trafficking network have not stopped. Major Md. Nurul Huda, Deputy Commander of Sylhet Battalion (48 BGB), said that surveillance and operations along the border are continuing to prevent human trafficking and illegal border crossings. Md. Mahbubur Rahman Molla, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Jaintapur Model Police Station, said legal action is being taken against those involved in human trafficking. Police are working to identify the traffickers and bring them to justice. According to concerned officials, it is not possible to stop human trafficking solely through operations along the border. If the brokers operating inside the country and the masterminds behind the network can be identified and brought to justice, the activities of this trafficking syndicate could be significantly reduced.