Mahbub Pial, Faridpur Correspondent

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was observed in Faridpur on Thursday through a series of events, including discussions, a public signature campaign, a cycle rally, and a cultural program.

Organized by the Counter Trafficking Network (CTN) Faridpur under the "Ashshash" project with support from Winrock International, the afternoon event took place at the Faridpur Press Club hall room.

Mohammad Azharul Islam, veteran NGO figure and Chief Adviser of the Faridpur Development Agency (FDA), presided over the program. Discussions were addressed by District Employment Office Assistant Director Shosthipod Roy, Senior District Information Officer Mozammel Hossain, BFF Executive Director A.N.M. Fazlul Hadi Sabbir, BLAST Coordinator Advocate Shipra Goswami, Nari Unnayan Sangstha representative Tania Akhter, and Winrock International Regional Coordinator Mazharuzzaman.

Speakers at the discussion meeting noted that human trafficking is an international crime, emphasizing that public awareness and collective efforts alongside law enforcement are vital to preventing it. They particularly urged citizens to remain vigilant against fraudulent job offers and deceptive promises of sending workers abroad.

Following the discussion, a public signature campaign was held with the participation of people from various professions, through which attendees expressed their commitment to building social resistance against human trafficking.

In the second segment of the program, a cycle rally set off from the Faridpur Press Club premises, paraded through key roads in the town, and concluded back at the Press Club. The day's events wrapped up with an engaging cultural program.