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