US embassy cable - 05DHAKA332

UNCLAS DHAKA 000332 
 
SIPDIS 
 
INL/CTR 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PHUM, KCRM, BG 
SUBJECT: BDG ANTI-TIP EFFORTS UPDATE 
 
 
1. (SBU) On January 25, Poloff and USAID counterparts met 
with Home Secretary Omar Farooq, Joint Secretary Mohammad 
Mohsin, and ASP Sahidullah Khan from the Police 
Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Cell for the monthly update on 
BDG anti-TIP measures. 
 
2. (SBU) Mohsin distributed and discussed the latest figures 
of specially monitored court cases disposed (47), persons 
rescued (166), and rehabilitation of victims (104) since June 
2004. Since June 2004, 93 new cases have been monitored.  The 
BDG also has prevention efforts at the Zia, Chittagong, and 
Sylhet Airport in addition to two landports: Benapole and 
Hili. There is still a provisional police camp at Dublarchar, 
and the Coast Guard is doing two sailings a week to monitor 
the situation. 
 
3. (SBU) Farooq shared an extensive BDG plan to concentrate 
on awareness raising throughout society which the 
inter-ministerial anti-TIP committee has been working on. 
Currently, the plan aims to form anti-TIP committees at all 
levels of government, starting at the village level with at 
least one woman on each committee. Many ministries are 
involved in this awareness campaign, including the Ministry 
of Religious Affairs which has TIP awareness in their 
training curriculum. The plan is currently under review by 
the Secretary. 
 
4. (SBU) Comment: Farooq sees Bangladesh as a major anti-TIP 
success story and a potential model for other countries. 
NGO's and other concerned anti-TIP partners have been 
consulted in the design of the BDG's proposed awareness 
strategy.  They will also be instrumental in its 
implementation.  Initial reports, plus an official copy of 
this anti-TIP approach, are expected to be shared next month. 
THOMAS