Nepal has emerged as a significant transit point for human trafficking from Bangladesh to Europe, primarily due to its visa-on-arrival policy and relatively relaxed border controls. Traffickers exploit these conditions to facilitate illegal migration routes.
Trafficking Route: Bangladesh → Nepal → Europe
Human trafficking networks, especially active in Bangladesh’s Comilla and Noakhali regions, lure individuals with promises of employment in Europe. These traffickers exploit Nepal’s visa-on-arrival system by posing as tourist agents, bringing victims into Nepal under the guise of tourism. Once in Nepal, victims often find themselves in precarious situations, including being held captive, having their passports confiscated, and facing extortion.
The Kakarbhitta–Panitanki border crossing is a common entry point for Bangladeshi nationals into Nepal. Although India had previously restricted third-country nationals from entering Nepal through this route, the border was reopened on August 1, 2024, leading to an increase in tourist arrivals.
Broader Context of Human Trafficking
The issue of human trafficking is not confined to Nepal. Reports indicate that approximately 13,000 Bangladeshis undertook hazardous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea to reach Italy in the previous year. These journeys often involve significant risks, including the possibility of being held captive, tortured, or even losing their lives.
In response to the growing concerns, the Bangladesh embassy in Kathmandu has raised alarms about the increasing trend of trafficking activities. The Ministry of Home Affairs in Bangladesh has directed law enforcement agencies to take action against these trafficking routes and apprehend those involved.
This situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts between Nepal, Bangladesh, and other countries to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Last Saun (July/August), a gang that lured Bangladeshi citizens to Nepal with the promise of sending them to Poland and then held them hostage was arrested by the police in Kathmandu. Among those arrested were Roshani Rai from Ilam and Tara Nepali from Sindhupalchok, along with Bangladeshi nationals Amir Hossain, Mohammad Moshiur, Salim Mian, Jahagir Alam, and Tahamina Begum.
According to police investigations, the gang had extorted between 50,000 to 1 million taka per person from 21 Bangladeshi nationals. Last month, five Bangladeshi citizens were arrested in Kathmandu on charges of fraud, having lured Bangladeshi nationals to Nepal with false promises of sending them to various European countries.
Those arrested included 50-year-old Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman, 41-year Mohammad Farsad Hossain Chowdhury, 46-year-old Abu Yusuf MD Hanif, and 40-year-old Ajim Molik. Police stated that they had been deceiving Bangladeshi nationals by tempting them with offers to send them to countries such as Australia, Italy, Spain, France, Serbia, and Albania, bringing them to Nepal under false pretenses.
