Coxs Bazar Campaign Targets Human Trafficking Surge Along Coastal Routes
Photo Collected
A surge in maritime human trafficking along the Teknaf-Ukhia coastline has prompted a large-scale public awareness campaign aimed at curbing the illegal practice and reducing the rising number of casualties at sea. The initiative, a 100-kilometer “road show,” traveled the length of the Cox’s Bazar district to combat the persistent trend of migrants attempting dangerous journeys by boat.
Organized by the non-governmental organization BRAC under the slogan “No to Sea Voyages,” the event was part of a four-day national campaign titled “Mass Campaign to Combat Human Trafficking and People Smuggling,” supported by the Australian government. Following similar outreach efforts in Gazipur, Dhaka, and Narayanganj, the final day of the program focused on the coastal communities most vulnerable to the influence of human smugglers.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The procession began Saturday morning in Ukhia, drawing a diverse crowd of educators, students, local youth, farmers, and law enforcement officials. The convoy moved through Teknaf before traveling along the Marine Drive, eventually concluding at Kolatoli Beach in Cox’s Bazar. Throughout the journey, organizers hosted street meetings featuring educational quizzes, interactive Q&A sessions, and cultural performances designed to highlight the hazards of illegal migration.
Local authorities emphasized the severe human cost associated with these smuggling routes. Ukhia Police Station Sub-Inspector Palash Barua warned that many residents continue to fall prey to traffickers due to the lure of false promises, often resulting in fatalities, disappearances, and the financial ruin of their families.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Representatives from BRAC urged residents to remain vigilant against the deceptive tactics employed by brokers. Atiqur Rahman Nahid, a manager at BRAC’s Migration Program, noted that Rohingya refugees residing in camps are frequently targeted by traffickers. He stressed that individuals seeking overseas employment must rely on verified, government-approved processes to ensure their safety.
The four-day campaign was designed to reach potential migrants, local youth, and the broader community, reinforcing the necessity of safe migration. By integrating law enforcement perspectives with community engagement, organizers hope to dismantle the networks of exploitation that continue to plague the southeastern coastline.
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