Two foreign airlines involved in human trafficking from Bangladesh: CID

Two airlines are involved in human trafficking from Bangladesh, said Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police.

Officials of both the airlines are now being questioned, said the CID.

It was disclosed by CID chief and Additional Inspector General of Police Barrister Mahbubur Rahman while addressing a press conference at the CID's head office at Malibagh in the capital on Tuesday afternoon.

Declining to reveal the names of two airlines, Mahbubur Rahman said the two foreign airlines are involved in human trafficking to the Middle East and Europe. Those who have been trafficked, they all left the country on visit visas or conference visas. "If any individual goes to any country on such visas, they are supposed to buy return tickets. But, none of the individuals bought return tickets."

The CID chief said: "It's the fault of the airlines concerned. Their officials are involved. Most of the trafficked individuals left the country by these two foreign airlines. We have talked to top ranking officials of the two airlines. They have also admitted that it was not supposed to take place."

Mahbubur Rahman further said Interpol has issued red notice against six absconding Bangladesh citizens who are involved in human trafficking to different countries of the Middle East and Europe. On October 18 last, Bangladesh Police sought cooperation of Interpol to arrest the six human traffickers. Subsequently, the Interpol issued red notice against them on November 27. CID has so far traced the involvement of six persons who were involved in human trafficking. How, CID is trying to know if any other individuals were involved in it.

In May this year, 26 Bangladesh citizens wre shot dead at Mizdah in Libya. Later, the CID filed three cases with Paltan and Banani police stations in connection with the incident. Twenty-three more cases were filed at different parts of the country. The CID is now investigating 25 human trafficking related cases. A total of 299 individuals were made accused in the cases, while 171 have been arrested so far. Forty-two of the submitted confessional statements to court.

SZA