Terming human trafficking an international problem, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government had shown zero tolerance to the issue.
“Human traffickers are involved with international syndicates. In recent times, illegal trafficking has increased at an alarming level. Bangladesh has taken a strong position against human trafficking,” she told parliament in replying to a query.
The premier also said she had already given direction to law enforcement agencies to show zero tolerance to human traffickers.
Hasina also said diplomatic effort is on with regional countries to stop human trafficking and to bring back Bangladeshi victims.
The premier said members of the Coast Guard had so far rescued some 1,736 Bangladeshi fortune seekers from sea.
Responding to another query, Hasina said her government is firm to prevent BNP-led alliance’s violence.
She said some 128 people were killed, including 73 who were burned to death, in mindless arson attacks and petrol bombs during the hartal and blockade enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance.
Besides, she said, some 1,395 vehicles, six launches and 13 trains were also burned and damaged during the period.
“The BNP-Jamaat movement not only caused damages to the country’s property, but also tarnished the image of the country and discouraged foreign direct investment.”
She informed the House that Sessions Judge and Additional Sessions Judge of each district had been given power to hold trial of those involved in subversive acts and anarchy under the Anti Terrorism Act-2009.
Sheikh Hasina said high officials are now monitoring the investigation activities to speed up the investigation process of the cases filed against such subversive acts and anarchy.