DHAKA: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh and India is expected to be signed for cooperation in quick prevention of human trafficking, rescue, repatriation and resettlement of victims.
The MoU will be signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh on June 6, a source of Bangladesh home ministry said.
A deal will be signed later between the two countries, in the light of the memorandum of understanding.
The home ministry has completed all preparations for signing the MoU. For this, a draft has already been sent to foreign ministry.
According to the home ministry, in the prevention of human trafficking, a MoU is expected to be signed by the foreign ministers of both countries.
The interior ministry's joint secretary (political) M Mostafizur Rahman said however, it has not been finalized yet.
The human trafficking issue is widely being discussed among the international communities. Putting importance on the matter, the home ministry arranged an inter-ministerial meeting on signing the MoU.
In the meeting, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been prepared by the governments of Bangladesh and India for cooperation in women and children trafficking prevention, rescue and rehabilitation.
Besides, in the third bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and India held on December 8-9 in 2012 in Cox’s Bazar, a draft MoU was prepared for rapid repatriation of the trafficked people.
A cabinet meeting approved the draft bill of MoU on December 1 last year. It has already been sent to the foreign ministry to take necessary steps in both countries in signing the deal.
According to home ministry sources, if the two neighboring countries sign the MoU, women and children trafficking will be prevented.
Moreover, it will be possible to take them, who have been trafficked, back home within a short period of time as well as to rehabilitate them.
In the existing circumstances, the trafficked women and children remain stuck for a long time in both countries due to the legal process.
After signing the MoU, it will be possible of quick repatriation of the trafficked people.
BDST: 1518 HRS, MAY 27, 2015
RS/RR/SMS
