US Department of State has recognised Mohammed Tariqul Islam, a Bangladeshi anti-trafficking organiser, as a Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report Hero (2022).
The TIP Heroes award honours individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to fighting human trafficking.
Tariqul was among the six individuals from around the world who were honoured as 2022 TIP Report Heroes in a ceremony hosted by the US Department of State in Washington DC on Tuesday.
"Tariqul Islam is a tireless advocate for victims of human trafficking whose work has helped increase the Bangladesh government's capacity to investigate and prosecute traffickers.
"He has led anti-trafficking organizations that have facilitated assistance to more than 2,000 trafficking victims," reads the latest TIP report.
Tariqul has worked diligently with victims of human trafficking to either provide or connect them to the services they need in many of these cases.
In 2017, Tariqul started the Bangladesh branch of the UK-based NGO "Justice & Care," where he currently serves as country director, it added.
Justice & Care's work spans almost every aspect of anti-trafficking work, including direct implementation of victim services, repatriation of survivors, and assisting law enforcement and the judiciary with trafficking cases.
Tariqul has also supported the Bangladeshi government's anti-trafficking efforts to achieve measurable progress in key areas, including those that address recommendations in the 2021 TIP report.
"For example, he has organised cross-border consultations between Bangladesh and India to increase collaboration on victim repatriation efforts. Additionally, his close working relationship with the Bangladesh Ministry of Home Affairs helped facilitate a strong partnership between the public and private sector, including by helping the ministry draft its National Plan of Action (2018-2022) to combat human trafficking," reads the report.
"His trusted advice, authentic perspective, and frontline experiences make him a leader and respected voice in shaping Bangladesh's response to trafficking", it added.
During the event, Tariqul, in his speech, said, "It's an honour to be part of a small network of individuals who have been fighting against human trafficking.
The other five heroes recognised this year are – Major Mohammad Al-Khlaifat of Jordan, Judge Cornelius Wennah of Liberia, Irena Dawid-Olczyk of Poland, Apinya Tajit of Thailand, and Kateryna Cherepakha of Ukraine.
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