Online Desk: Manarat International University (MIU), in collaboration with BRAC, organized a youth awareness program on preventing human trafficking and migrant smuggling on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 2:00 pm. The program was jointly organized by the MIU Debate Club and BRAC to raise awareness among young people about the risks of human trafficking, irregular migration and migrant smuggling.

Dr. Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, Director of the Centre for General Education (CGED) and Moderator of the MIU Debate Club, attended the program as the Chief Guest.

In his speech, Dr. Azad emphasized the need to create widespread awareness throughout Bangladesh to prevent human trafficking and migrant smuggling. He said that in the era of globalization, people would naturally travel to different countries in search of employment opportunities. However, before going abroad, they must develop the necessary professional skills and prepare themselves as skilled human resources.

He stressed that prospective migrant workers should gather adequate information about their destination countries, employment opportunities and migration procedures and seek government assistance to ensure safe and legal migration. He warned that irregular migration could lead to tragic consequences, including loss of life, financial losses and various forms of exploitation and suffering.

Drawing on his travel experiences in different countries, Dr. Azad described the miserable conditions faced by people who attempt to migrate through illegal channels. He further emphasized the importance of learning English and the language of the destination country, alongside acquiring relevant professional skills and training before travelling abroad.

He noted that skilled and knowledgeable migrant workers could enhance the image of Bangladesh internationally while contributing to their own development and strengthening the national economy through their earnings and remittances.

Munnaja Mahin, Centre Manager, Centre for Safe Migration (CSM) Dhaka, BRAC, presented the keynote paper titled "Role of Youth in Preventing Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling." Through photographs, videos and detailed presentations, she highlighted different forms of human trafficking, trafficking routes and the devastating consequences experienced by victims.

As part of the program, a woman who had experienced human trafficking and subsequently returned to Bangladesh shared her distressing personal experience with the audience. Her testimony provided an important insight into the dangers and realities of human trafficking and irregular migration.

The program also featured speeches by Sumaiya Islam, Lecturer, Department of Law and  Assistant Moderator of the MIU Debate Club, and Adiba Nuzhat Poroma, Outreach Officer, Centre for Safe Migration (CSM) Dhaka.

Among others, Mahfuzur Rahman Khan, President of the MIU Debate Club; Md. Morshedul Islam, Secretary (Male Wing); and Shahina Khatun, Secretary (Female Wing), were present at the program. Students of the university also attended.

The program highlighted the importance of engaging young people in preventing human trafficking and migrant smuggling, promoting safe and regular migration, and building a society informed about the risks of irregular migration. It also underscored the need for collective efforts by educational institutions, development organizations, government agencies and young people to combat human trafficking and ensure safe migration.