Bangladesh: Advancing coordinated, data-driven responses to counter Trafficking in Persons

Effective responses to human trafficking depend on strong evidence. Reliable data helps reveal risks and threats, guide investigations and ensure that protection measures leave no one behind. Strengthening national capacities to generate and use data is therefore vital in the fight against trafficking in persons.

Recognizing this, the Government of Bangladesh has taken important steps to strengthen national systems for Trafficking in Persons (TIP) data collection and reporting, in order to address gaps in institutional coordination and reporting practices. In support of this process, UNODC, under a European Union-funded regional initiative, is assisting Bangladesh to develop stronger national reporting mechanisms, including harmonized TIP questionnaires and a Digital Data Collection Platform designed to standardize inputs across ministries and agencies. The aim is to enhance evidence-based policymaking and ensure compliance with international TIP monitoring and reporting requirements.

As part of this ongoing support, a two-day capacity-building workshop was hosted by UNODC and the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka, boosting knowledge and skills of 33 officials from law enforcement agencies, ministries, migration and border management authorities and service-providing institutions. The sessions combined substantive content with practical exercises to enhance TIP reporting, featuring technical modules on data verification, analytical methods, and submission processes.

Participants examined how data on investigations, prosecutions and victim protection measures contribute to both national and international assessments. Joint inter-agency exercises facilitated the mapping of institutional responsibilities and revealed existing data gaps. They also clarified the roles of different institutions and discussed practical ways to strengthen information exchange across agencies. The collaborative dialogue helped dismantle silos that often obstruct comprehensive reporting and underscored the importance of shared ownership in maintaining the national TIP data system.

Mr. Hermanoschy Bernard and Ms. Tanik Munir from the U.S. led a dedicated session to clarify expectations for Bangladesh’s US/TIP Report 2026. They addressed challenges identified in previous submissions and provided practical guidance to enhance the quality of data. By the close of the workshop, participants were better equipped to deliver accurate, evidence-based reporting, identify gaps in institutional data collection, and reinforce the national reporting framework, contributing to stronger policymaking and improved protection for victims of trafficking. 

This activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by the European Union)