Date of Publication: 25 April 2026
Source of Information: Local Crime Branch (LCB), Gujarat, and international media outlets
Issued by: Japan-Bangladesh Human Rights (JBHR)
Japan-Bangladesh Human Rights (JBHR) expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the rescue of 49 Bangladeshi women from an international human trafficking network during a special operation conducted in Bharuch district of Gujarat, India. At the same time, the organization extends its appreciation to the law enforcement agencies for their efforts. In December 2025, a coordinated operation by the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Bharuch District Police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) led to the identification of this extensive trafficking network. JBHR believes that this incident is not merely a criminal offense, but a grave violation of the United Nations “Palermo Protocol” and international human rights conventions.
According to information collected by the organization, the principal आरोपी (kingpin), Faruk Sheikh, had been residing in West Bengal for over a decade using forged identification documents. Through a well-organized network in Bangladesh, he allegedly trafficked impoverished women by luring them with promises of high-paying jobs. Testimonies from the rescued women reveal that traffickers would confiscate their identification documents, sever all communication with their families, and subject them to physical and psychological abuse, forcing them into inhumane conditions.
JBHR strongly urges the relevant ministries of both the Indian and Bangladeshi governments to ensure swift justice, proper medical care, and safe repatriation for the victims.
The organization firmly states that the trafficked women must not be treated as illegal migrants or subjected to legal harassment. Instead, they should be recognized as victims of trafficking and provided with appropriate legal protection and psychosocial counseling. JBHR further emphasizes the need to strengthen border surveillance by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF), alongside enhanced intelligence sharing and close coordination between the two countries to identify and dismantle trafficking networks.
In addition, JBHR calls upon international donor agencies and human rights organizations to support the dignified rehabilitation and reintegration of the rescued women into society.
To prevent such crimes in the future, the organization stresses the importance of raising public awareness in border regions and creating alternative employment opportunities for vulnerable women. JBHR demands that all individuals involved in this heinous crime be brought to justice through expedited tribunals and subjected to the strictest penalties.
While expressing gratitude to the Gujarat Police for the successful rescue operation, JBHR affirms that it will continue to monitor the case until its full resolution and the safe return of all victims is ensured.
The organization believes that only through strong political will and collective social resistance can this form of modern-day slavery be eradicated. Japan-Bangladesh Human Rights remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights of the oppressed and ensuring justice.
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Website: www.japanbhr.org
Head Office: Japan-Bangladesh Human Rights (JBHR)
