While Bangladesh has ratified international conventions and enacted domestic laws to combat modern slavery, significant gaps remain in their implementation, writes Musharraf Tansen
MODERN slavery remains one of the most pressing human rights violations in the world today and Bangladesh is no exception. Despite progress in economic growth and development, the country continues to grapple with forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage and exploitative working conditions that amount to modern slavery. Vulnerable populations, including low-income workers, women and children, often find themselves trapped in exploitative arrangements due to poverty, lack of legal protections and weak enforcement mechanisms. While Bangladesh has ratified international conventions and enacted domestic laws to combat modern slavery, significant gaps remain in their implementation. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that involves strengthening legal frameworks, enforcing labour rights and creating economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.
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Scope of modern slavery
MODERN slavery in Bangladesh manifests in various forms, affecting different sectors and demographics. According to the Global Slavery Index, thousands of people in the country are subjected to forced labour, human trafficking and debt bondage. The garment industry, construction sector, domestic work and informal labour markets are among the most affected.
The garment industry, which is the backbone of Bangladesh鈥檚 economy, has been widely criticised for exploitative working conditions. Many workers, particularly women, endure long hours, low wages and unsafe workplaces, with little to no bargaining power. Although international pressure and reforms have led to improvements in factory conditions, issues such as wage theft, lack of job security and forced overtime persist, keeping many workers in conditions resembling modern slavery.
The construction sector is another area where forced labour is prevalent. Many labourers, often internal migrants from rural areas, work under exploitative contracts with withheld wages and no access to legal recourse. The absence of strong labour protections allows contractors and employers to take advantage of vulnerable workers who are desperate for income.
Debt bondage, a form of modern slavery where individuals are forced to work to repay loans, is widespread in informal labour markets. Workers, particularly in brick kilns and fishing industries, take loans from employers and become trapped in cycles of debt due to high interest rates and unfair wage deductions. This practice disproportionately affects low-income families and rural communities, who have little financial literacy or access to formal banking systems.
Child labour also plays a significant role in modern slavery in Bangladesh. Despite legal protections, many children work in hazardous conditions in factories, agriculture and domestic service. These children are often deprived of education and basic rights, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Human trafficking remains a major concern, with Bangladesh being both a source and transit country for trafficked individuals. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to trafficking for sexual exploitation and forced labour, both within the country and abroad. The lack of proper border controls, corruption and weak law enforcement allow traffickers to operate with impunity.
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Causes of modern slavery
THE persistence of modern slavery in Bangladesh is driven by multiple socio-economic and systemic factors. Poverty and economic vulnerability remain the root causes, as millions of people are willing to take exploitative jobs due to a lack of alternative opportunities. High unemployment rates and inadequate social safety nets push individuals into precarious work arrangements.
Weak law enforcement and corruption exacerbate the problem, as traffickers, unscrupulous employers and labour brokers exploit loopholes in the legal system. Many victims of forced labour and human trafficking are unable to seek justice due to intimidation, lack of legal awareness and the inefficiency of legal processes.
Gender inequality further contributes to modern slavery, as women and girls are disproportionately affected by exploitative labour practices and trafficking. Societal norms and economic dependency force many women into domestic servitude and exploitative employment with little legal protection.
Additionally, lack of education and awareness plays a crucial role in perpetuating modern slavery. Many workers are unaware of their rights and the legal protections available to them. Illiteracy and misinformation prevent vulnerable individuals from making informed employment decisions, making them easy targets for exploitation.
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Legal framework and challenges in implementation
BANGLADESH has made efforts to combat modern slavery through various laws and policies. The Bangladesh Labour Act (2006) and the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act (2012) provide legal frameworks to address forced labour and trafficking. Additionally, Bangladesh is a signatory to international agreements such as the ILO Forced Labour Convention and the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.
Despite these legal frameworks, implementation remains weak due to inadequate monitoring, corruption and lack of resources. Many labour rights violations go unpunished and victims of trafficking and forced labour rarely receive justice or compensation. The informal sector, which employs a significant portion of Bangladesh鈥檚 workforce, operates largely outside the regulatory framework, making it difficult to enforce labour laws.
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Role of international organisations and NGOs
SEVERAL international organisations and local NGOs are working to address modern slavery in Bangladesh. Organisations such as ILO, UNICEF, BRAC and the Bangladesh Human Rights Commission are actively involved in advocacy, rescue operations and rehabilitation programmes for victims of forced labour and trafficking. Their efforts have led to important policy discussions and legislative changes, but more needs to be done to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and provide long-term support for survivors.
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Policy recommendations and the way forward
TO EFFECTIVELY combat modern slavery in Bangladesh, a multi-pronged approach is needed, beginning with strengthening law enforcement and accountability. The government must enhance monitoring mechanisms, increase labour inspections and impose strict penalties on employers and traffickers engaged in modern slavery. A key challenge in addressing this issue is corruption within law enforcement agencies, which often enables exploiters to operate with impunity. Implementing robust anti-corruption measures and ensuring that law enforcement officers are held accountable for their actions are essential steps in breaking this cycle of exploitation.
Expanding economic opportunities is another crucial measure in reducing vulnerability to modern slavery. Many individuals, particularly in rural areas, are driven into exploitative work due to a lack of viable employment options. Investing in skills development, vocational training and job creation programmes can provide at-risk communities with alternative livelihood opportunities, reducing their dependency on exploitative work. Additionally, promoting fair wages and workers鈥� rights in industries that are prone to forced labour, such as garments, construction and domestic work, can help ensure safer employment conditions.
Social protection programmes play a vital role in preventing individuals from falling into cycles of debt and forced labour. Expanding safety nets such as cash transfer programmes and subsidies for low-income families can help reduce financial desperation, which traffickers and exploitative employers often exploit. Ensuring that these programmes reach marginalised communities, including indigenous populations, climate refugees and informal sector workers, is essential in creating an inclusive safety framework.
Public awareness campaigns can also be instrumental in tackling modern slavery. Many workers, particularly in informal sectors, are unaware of their rights and the risks associated with exploitative employment. Mass awareness campaigns, community engagement programmes, and education initiatives can empower individuals to resist modern slavery. Employers, recruitment agencies, and local leaders should also be educated on ethical employment practices to create a culture that rejects forced labour and exploitation.
Given that human trafficking often involves cross-border networks, strengthening international collaboration is essential. Bangladesh must work closely with neighbouring countries and international organisations to improve border controls, share intelligence, and ensure justice for victims. Regional cooperation in prosecuting traffickers and dismantling exploitative networks can significantly reduce the prevalence of modern slavery. Diplomatic efforts should also be made to ensure better protections for Bangladeshi migrant workers abroad, many of whom face exploitative working conditions.
Finally, supporting survivors is a critical aspect of addressing modern slavery. Many victims, once rescued, struggle to reintegrate into society due to stigma, lack of financial resources, and psychological trauma. Strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration programmes can provide survivors with legal aid, mental health support, and access to education or vocational training. Ensuring long-term support rather than short-term relief can help victims regain control over their lives and prevent them from falling back into exploitative conditions.
A comprehensive and coordinated effort is necessary to eradicate modern slavery in Bangladesh. By enforcing strict laws, creating economic opportunities, expanding social protections, raising awareness, fostering international cooperation, and providing robust support for survivors, Bangladesh can take meaningful steps towards eliminating this deep-rooted problem and ensuring a future where all individuals can work with dignity and freedom.
Modern slavery remains a critical issue in Bangladesh, affecting millions of vulnerable individuals across various sectors. While legal frameworks exist, enforcement remains inadequate and socio-economic factors continue to push people into exploitative working conditions. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated efforts from the government, civil society, international organisations and the private sector. By strengthening legal protections, expanding economic opportunities and fostering greater awareness, Bangladesh can take meaningful steps towards eradicating modern slavery and ensuring dignity and rights for all workers.
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Musharraf Tansen is a PhD researcher and former country representative of Malala Fund.
