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VOL. 1, ISSUE 1 (2025)
Vulnerable borders, hidden lives: Human trafficking across the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal
Authors
Dr. Hasan Imam
Abstract
Cross-border human trafficking between India
and Bangladesh, particularly through West Bengal, remains a persistent and
complex challenge. This study examines the socio-economic factors, trafficking
routes, and institutional responses to this transnational crime. West Bengal's
porous border, spanning over 2,200 km, facilitates the illegal movement of
victims, primarily women and children, for forced labour, sexual exploitation,
and domestic servitude. Through a mixed-methods approach involving survivor
interviews, law enforcement data, and NGO reports, this research identifies key
patterns in trafficking operations, including the use of informal border
crossings, fraudulent employment offers, and familial coercion. Findings reveal
systemic vulnerabilities such as poverty, gender discrimination, and weak
governance that perpetuate these crimes. Despite existing legal frameworks like
the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and bilateral agreements between India and
Bangladesh, enforcement remains inconsistent, with low prosecution rates and
inadequate victim rehabilitation. The study highlights gaps in cross-border
coordination, victim protection, and preventive measures, emphasising the need
for stronger policy implementation. Recommendations include enhanced border
surveillance, community-based awareness programs, and improved inter-agency
collaboration to disrupt trafficking networks and support survivors. By
providing empirical evidence on trafficking dynamics in West Bengal, this
research contributes to broader discussions on human security and transnational
crime in South Asia.
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Pages:1-5
How to cite this article:
Dr. Hasan Imam "Vulnerable borders, hidden lives: Human trafficking across the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal". World Journal of Education, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 1-5
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