BRAC Initiative Turns 15 Debaters into Youth Ambassadors in Cox’s Bazar

S.M Lutfur Kabir : Cox’s Bazar, one of Bangladesh’s districts most vulnerable to human trafficking, continues to face growing concerns over migrant smuggling and unsafe migration, particularly after reports of more than 250 people going missing in the Andaman Sea in recent months. To raise awareness among young people, BRAC Cox’s Bazar organised the second session of a programme titled “Building an Aware Youth Community to Prevent Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling” at Cox’s Bazar Government College on May 17. The first session of the programme was held a month earlier. The event, held at the classroom of the Physics...

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S.M Lutfur Kabir : Cox’s Bazar, one of Bangladesh’s districts most vulnerable to human trafficking, continues to face growing concerns over migrant smuggling and unsafe migration, particularly after reports of more than 250 people going missing in the Andaman Sea in recent months. To raise awareness among young people, BRAC Cox’s Bazar organised the second session of a programme titled “Building an Aware Youth Community to Prevent Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling” at Cox’s Bazar Government College on May 17. The first session of the programme was held a month earlier.

The event, held at the classroom of the Physics Department, brought together members of the college debate club for discussions on the risks of irregular migration, human trafficking, and the importance of safe migration practices. Principal Professor Abul Hasnat Mohammad Mofizul Haque attended the programme as the chief guest, while Vice Principal Professor Mohammad Ohidul Islam and Associate Professor of the Physics Department Mohammad Kashem spoke as special guests.

Representatives from BRAC’s Centre for Safe Migration in Cox’s Bazar, including Centre Manager Mohammad Azimul Haque, Outreach Officer Nusrat Mayeesha Hima, Mohammad Shahidullah and Mohammad Russell, were also present. Speaking at the event, Principal Professor Abul Hasnat Mohammad Mofizul Haque described human trafficking as “a social curse” and stressed the importance of youth engagement in preventing such crimes.

“If young people become aware and responsible, human trafficking can be prevented to a great extent. Students must develop not only academically, but also as socially responsible citizens,” he said. Vice Principal Professor Mohammad Ohidul Islam said many people continue to fall victim to trafficking networks due to a lack of awareness and misinformation surrounding overseas migration.

“Youth-led awareness initiatives can play an important role in creating positive social change and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation,” he added. Mohammad Azimul Haque, Centre Manager of BRAC’s Centre for Safe Migration in Cox’s Bazar, said preventing trafficking requires collective efforts from both law enforcement agencies and citizens.

“We want young people to act as awareness ambassadors in their communities and spread accurate information about safe migration,” he said. Outreach Officer Nusrat Mayeesha Hima said many people risk their lives chasing dreams abroad without understanding the dangers of irregular migration. “Creating awareness about safe migration is now more important than ever. Active participation of young people can help build strong social resistance against trafficking,” she said.

At the end of the programme, 15 members of the college debate club were awarded certificates recognising them as “Youth Ambassadors.” Organisers said the newly appointed ambassadors will conduct awareness activities in their respective communities to help combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.