At Eastern University in Dhaka, a new generation of law students is preparing to confront two of the most complex and urgent challenges of our time: human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
With guidance from educational materials developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the university has launched a specialized Master of Laws programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to combat these crimes.
So far, about 200 law graduates have completed the programme.
“No matter which professional path I choose, this knowledge will help me contribute to safer and more ethical practices,” said Sajid Sarower, one of the programme’s first students.
The initiative strengthens Bangladesh's legal capacity while empowering young professionals to champion justice and ethical practices throughout their careers.
“The programme covers the legal frameworks for combatting trafficking and smuggling, as well as criminal justice responses. It also explores the links between the two crimes,” explained Tasneem Binta Karim, UNODC’s National Programme Coordinator in Bangladesh and one of the course instructors.
Students begin by studying Bangladesh’s laws and policies. Human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the country are often driven by economic hardship, lack of employment opportunities, and the demand for cheap labour in neighbouring countries and beyond. Criminal networks operate in secrecy, making these crimes difficult to detect and prosecute despite government and civil society efforts.
Throughout real-life case studies UNODC resources and local practice, students learn to identify, analyze, and respond to complex trafficking and smuggling scenarios.
“The case studies and international legal frameworks were the most valuable part because they helped me connect theory to practical situations,” said Sarower.
Students also praised the course’s interactive approach.
“Discussions on victim protection, international cooperation, and the Palermo Protocols helped me understand both the legal and humanitarian sides of these crimes,” said Farjana Khanam Mitu, another student.
By training future policymakers, judges, prosecutors, and prosecutors, the programme equips with the skills to prevent human trafficking and migrant smuggling, protect vulnerable people, and uphold justice.
Eastern University’s programme is supported by UNODC’s European Union funded project, ‘’Preventing and Addressing Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling of Migrants in South Asia”. The project strengthens South Asian countries’ capacity to respond to these crimes, with a focus on criminal justice, international law, and human rights protection.
