|| Desk Report: Manarat International University (MIU), in collaboration with BRAC, organised a youth awareness programme on preventing human trafficking and migrant smuggling on Tuesday at the university campus.The programme was jointly organised by the MIU Debate Club and BRAC to raise awareness among young people about the risks of human trafficking, irregular migration and migrant smuggling.Dr Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, Director of the Centre for General Education (CGED) and Moderator of the MIU Debate Club, attended as chief guest.In his speech, Dr Azad emphasised the need to create widespread awareness across Bangladesh to prevent human trafficking and migrant smuggling. He said in the era of globalisation people would naturally travel to different countries in search of employment, but before going abroad they must develop professional skills and prepare themselves as skilled human resources.He urged prospective migrant workers to gather adequate information about destination countries, employment opportunities and migration procedures, and to seek government assistance to ensure safe and legal migration. He warned that irregular migration could lead to loss of life, financial losses, exploitation and suffering.Drawing on his travel experiences, Dr Azad described the miserable conditions faced by people who attempt to migrate through illegal channels. He also stressed the importance of learning English and the language of the destination country, along with acquiring relevant skills and training before travelling abroad.He said skilled and knowledgeable migrant workers could enhance the image of Bangladesh internationally while contributing to their own development and strengthening the national economy through remittances.Munnaja Mahin, Centre Manager, Centre for Safe Migration (CSM) Dhaka, BRAC, presented the keynote paper titled "Role of Youth in Preventing Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling." Through photographs, videos and presentations, she highlighted different forms of human trafficking, trafficking routes and the devastating consequences faced by victims.As part of the programme, a woman who had experienced human trafficking and later returned to Bangladesh shared her distressing personal experience with the audience. Her testimony gave the students an insight into the dangers and realities of human trafficking and irregular migration.The programme also featured speeches by Sumaiya Islam, Lecturer, Department of Law and Assistant Moderator of the MIU Debate Club, and Adiba Nuzhat Poroma, Outreach Officer, Centre for Safe Migration (CSM) Dhaka.Among others, Mahfuzur Rahman Khan, President of the MIU Debate Club; Md Morshedul Islam, Secretary (Male Wing); and Shahina Khatun, Secretary (Female Wing), were present. Students of the university also attended.The programme highlighted the importance of engaging young people in preventing human trafficking and migrant smuggling, promoting safe and regular migration, and building a society informed about the risks of irregular migration.