Promises of Opportunity, Reality of Exploitation: Trafficking of Bangladeshi Women and Girls (2010–2025)

Promises of Opportunity, Reality of Exploitation: Trafficking of Bangladeshi Women and Girls (2010–2025)

Author: Tuhin Sarwar — Investigative Journalist & Human Rights Reporter
Published on: Aug 23, 2025

Introduction

Over the past 15 years… more than 80,000 Bangladeshi women and girls have fallen victim to human trafficking annually (Reference: UNODC).

Root Causes of Trafficking

The primary drivers of trafficking for forced labor and sexual exploitation are:

• Lack of economic opportunities in rural areas
• Limited legal protection for migrant workers
• Systemic gender inequalities that limit the opportunities for women

These factors create the perfect environment for human trafficking networks to thrive, taking advantage of women’s vulnerabilities in impoverished areas.

Data-Driven Insights and Findings

Field research reveals that trafficking networks often exploit the vulnerabilities of women from rural areas. Through interviews with survivors, it is evident that many victims were promised well-paying jobs abroad, only to end up trapped in modern slavery.

Recommendations for Safe Migration

Based on the data gathered, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Legal Framework: Governments must ensure that there is legal protection for migrants, especially women.
2. Public Awareness: Campaigns educating potential migrant workers about trafficking risks.
3. Support Systems: Establishment of support centers in countries where Bangladeshis are most vulnerable to trafficking.

Author and Rights Disclosure

This investigative report was prepared by Tuhin Sarwar, an Investigative Journalist and Human Rights Reporter. All rights and expertise are claimed by the author.

Original Content

Original content can be found on Medium.

References

• UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/
• HRW: https://www.hrw.org/
• ILO: https://www.ilo.org/
• RMMRU: https://www.rmmru.org/
• Amnesty International: https://www.amnesty.org/
• IOM: https://www.iom.int/
• BRAC: https://www.brac.net/
• TIP Report 2024: https://www.state.gov/reports/
• Tuhin Sarwar Portfolio: https://tuhinsarwar.com/

Related articles —

Rohingya Girls in Cox’s Bazar Face Rising Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation

Author

Tuhin Sarwar

Tuhin Sarwar is a Bangladeshi investigative journalist covering human rights, the Rohingya refugee crisis, the digital economy, and AI accountability through field reporting, primary-source documentation, and evidence-based journalism.