Bangladesh: Bangladesh launches Bench Book to strengthen judicial response to human trafficking

In a significant milestone toward enhancing Bangladesh’s judicial response to human trafficking and promoting a victim-centred approach to justice, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), launched the Bench Book for the Judiciary on Effective Criminal Justice Responses to Human Trafficking Cases at a ceremony in Dhaka. 

This government-led initiative represents a significant advancement in equipping the justice sector with practical tools to promote fair, consistent, and trauma-informed adjudication of trafficking in persons cases.

Developed with the financial support of the European Union (EU) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Bench Book serves as a comprehensive judicial reference tool to assist judges in adjudicating human trafficking cases effectively and consistently, while safeguarding the rights and dignity of victims.

The publication was developed under the guidance of the Advisory Expert Committee, formed under the leadership of the Law and Justice Division, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and through close collaboration with relevant justice sector stakeholders.

The launch event brought together senior representatives from the judiciary, law enforcement, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, development partners, and international organizations.

Chief Guest Mr. Liaquet Ali Molla, Secretary, Law and Justice Division, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, said: "The Bench Book aims to strengthen the capacity of judges presiding over the Anti-Human Trafficking Offence Tribunals established under the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012. It provides practical guidance to ensure fair, efficient, and trauma-informed proceedings in line with national laws and international standards."

Mr. Michal Krejza, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh stressed that, “The European Union is proud to support this initiative, which reinforces Bangladesh’s judicial response to human trafficking and our shared commitment to protecting victims and upholding fundamental rights. The Bench Book will help deliver fair, consistent and victim-centred judicial decisions across Bangladesh, thus strengthening the rule of law.”

Ms. Sujin Kong, Deputy Country Director of KOICA Bangladesh, said: "KOICA is proud to support Bangladesh in strengthening justice sector responses to human trafficking and ensuring survivors receive the dignity and protection they deserve. The Bench Book launched today is a practical step toward more consistent, victim-centred judgments that hold traffickers fully accountable." 

Catherine Northing, Officer-in-Charge of IOM in Bangladesh and Jee Aei Lee, Deputy Project Coordinator of Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section of UNODC HQ also delivered their remarks at the event among other speakers.  

For further information, please contact:

From UNODC, Tasneem Binta Karim at Email: tasneem[at]karim[at]un[dot]org 

From IOM, Tarek MAHMUD at Email: tmahmud[at]iom[dot]int