Led by the Assistant Professor of the Department of Law, American International University-Bangladesh Ms. Ferdousi Begum, two students, namely Ms. Sajida Selim and Mr. Yousuf Haque Sami, had joined in the “Workshop on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants: Building a Youth Network” that was held on 02 May 2026 at Eastern University, Ashulia Model Town, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The workshop was organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with Eastern University and funded by the European Union. The programme started at 9:00 AM and continued until 3:45 PM. The main purpose of the workshop was to raise awareness among university students about human trafficking and migrant smuggling and to build a strong youth network capable of preventing these crimes. The workshop also aimed to introduce students to the UNODC Education for Justice university-level modules and to enhance their understanding of legal frameworks, human rights, and national and international challenges related to TIP and SOM. The event began with an opening ceremony. Mr. Mohammad Mamunur Rashid, Head of the Department of Law at Eastern University, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the university. Mr. Marcus Vinicius PAES, Law Enforcement Advisor of UNODC, also addressed the participants and discussed the importance of youth involvement in combating trafficking and migrant smuggling. Welcome remarks were delivered by Mr. A.B.M. Imdadul Haque Khan, Dean of the School of Law, Eastern University. Ms. Tasneem Binta Karim, National Programme Coordinator of UNODC, spoke about the objectives and significance of the workshop. The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Farid A. Sobhani, Vice-Chancellor of Eastern University, delivered an inspiring speech encouraging students to work for social justice and human rights.After the opening session, the technical sessions began. The first session provided an overview of the UNODC project on preventing and addressing trafficking in human beings and the smuggling of migrants, along with an introduction to the Education for Justice university modules. The second session focused on defining the concepts of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. The speakers explained the differences between trafficking and smuggling, the causes behind these crimes, and their impact on individuals and society. Another important session discussed a human-rights-based approach to trafficking in persons.The participants learnt about the protection of victims’ rights, dignity, and safety, as well as the role of governments and organisations in supporting victims. The workshop also included a session on the trends and investigation of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in Bangladesh. The speakers highlighted the current situation in Bangladesh, methods used by traffickers, and challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.A separate session was conducted on the legal framework for countering human trafficking in Bangladesh. In this session, participants learned about national laws, international conventions, and legal measures taken to prevent trafficking and protect victims. One of the most interactive parts of the workshop was the group work and open discussion session. Participants shared their opinions, discussed real-life issues, and suggested possible solutions to combat trafficking and migrant smuggling. This session helped students improve their critical thinking and teamwork skills.

After the lunch and prayer break, a quiz competition was organised based on the technical sessions. The quiz tested participants’ understanding of the workshop topics and encouraged active participation throughout the programme. The closing session included remarks from Mr. Marcus Vinicius PAES and Ms. Rebeka Khan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh Secretariat. They appreciated the participation of students and emphasised the importance of youth awareness and cooperation in preventing trafficking and migrant smuggling. The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. A.B.M. Imdadul Haque Khan, and a group photo session. Finally, snacks were served, and the workshop officially ended. Overall, the workshop was highly informative, interactive, and educational. It successfully increased participants’ awareness and understanding of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. The programme also encouraged students to become responsible and active members of society who can contribute to preventing these crimes and promoting human rights in their communities.