March 19, 2025
DHAKA – Eighteen Bangladeshi nationals, who were trapped in a scam centre in Myanmar after falling victim to human trafficking, are set to return home early today.
They will arrive in Dhaka on a Thai Airways flight, said a press release.
According to the press release, traffickers lured these Bangladeshis to Thailand with promises of lucrative jobs and high salaries. From there, they were taken to a scam centre in Myanmar and forced into cybercrime.
“Those who refused to comply faced brutal torture, including electric shocks. One victim became critically ill, vomiting blood. He was taken to a hospital along with another Bangladeshi named Junayed. Getting the opportunity, Junayed escaped by crossing a river into Thailand and initiated efforts to rescue the others,” said in the release.
Shariful Hasan, associate director of (Migration and Youth Platform) of BRAC, said Junayed and the victims’ families sought help from Brac. Through the efforts of the foreign ministry, the Bangladesh Embassy in Thailand, and other stakeholders, all 18 victims were eventually freed.
They will return home on a Thai Airways flight, he said.
He also said cyber scam trafficking is a growing threat, with traffickers using fake job advertisements on websites, emails, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram to lure victims with high-paying roles like computer operators, typists, and call centre agents.
“Once inside scam centres, victims are held at gunpoint and forced to commit fraud. Job seekers should exercise caution regarding offers in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Raising awareness is crucial to prevent more people from falling into this trap,” he added in the press release.