Exploring the Effectiveness of Community-Based Approaches to Combat Cross-Border Human Trafficking in Jashore, Bangladesh

Author: Alam, Farhana; Sarkar, Nibedita; Koiri, Ranjan; Nasar, Sameen; Rana, Sajib; Chowdhury, Uzzal; Qurashi, Tausif Ahmed & Rashid, Sabina Faiz

Abstract: Cross-border human trafficking (CBHT) is a significant concern for Bangladesh due to the longest unfenced border with India on three sides. In the last decade, approximately 300,000 Bangladeshi women and children were trafficked to India through the borders. BRAC, one of the leading NGOs of Bangladesh, implemented a pilot program Disrupting Cross-border Human Trafficking Network in Bangladesh (2019–2021), to reduce the vulnerability of people in Jashore, one of the primary hubs for cross-border human trafficking. To evaluate the program, a baseline and endline study was conducted and insights from these studies are presented in this paper. The baseline and endline survey used a cross-sectional study design to measure the changes in knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of cross-border human trafficking among community people. After the implementation of the project an increase in the community peoples’ knowledge regarding cross-border human trafficking was reported and those who received any of the BRAC’s interventions had greater odds of reporting higher knowledge of cross-border human trafficking. Positive changes in attitudes toward human trafficking-related issues were also observed after program implementation. Findings from this study are expected to help the stakeholders and policymakers design interventions for CBHT prevention and contribute to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16.

Keywords: adolescent, Bangladesh, cross-border human trafficking, human trafficking