The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Bangladesh has launched LISTEN, the country’s first photobook dedicated exclusively to documenting the diverse realities of human trafficking through documentary photography and first-hand survivor narratives.
The publication was unveiled at a ceremony held at the UN House in Dhaka on Tuesday evening, bringing together senior government officials, United Nations representatives, diplomats, development partners and civil society members to reaffirm their commitment to preventing human trafficking and supporting survivors.
The event was attended by IOM Deputy Director General for Operations Ugochi Daniels, Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, MP, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. Carol Flore-Smereczniak, and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Country Director Jihoon Kim, along with representatives of foreign missions, UN agencies and the Government of Bangladesh.
Following the launch, guests inaugurated a photography exhibition featuring selected images and stories from LISTEN, offering an insight into the lived experiences of trafficking survivors through documentary photography and personal testimonies.
According to IOM, the publication goes beyond statistics by highlighting the human stories behind trafficking. It presents the experiences of women, men, girls and boys who have survived different forms of trafficking and exploitation while exploring the social and economic factors that contribute to their vulnerability.
Speaking at the event, Ugochi Daniels said the stories featured in LISTEN represent only a fraction of the many untold experiences of trafficking survivors.
“Meaningful action against trafficking begins with listening to survivors and ensuring that their experiences shape policies, strengthen prevention efforts and improve protection programmes,” she said.
Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh has made significant progress in combating human trafficking but acknowledged that much work remains.
He said tackling the crime requires effective legislation, strong law enforcement and greater public awareness, adding that the publication provides survivors with a platform to share their experiences while reminding society of its collective responsibility to prevent trafficking and protect vulnerable people.
UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Carol Flore-Smereczniak described LISTEN as a significant contribution to raising awareness about human trafficking and stressed the importance of placing survivors’ voices at the centre of prevention and human rights efforts.
KOICA Bangladesh Country Director Jihoon Kim reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting survivor-centred initiatives and strengthening anti-trafficking efforts through its partnership with IOM.
Developed with KOICA’s support, LISTEN forms part of IOM Bangladesh’s broader initiative to prevent trafficking in persons, protect survivors and increase public awareness by promoting a deeper understanding of the various forms of trafficking and the complex circumstances that place people at risk of exploitation.
The launch also marked the observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, highlighting the need for continued collaboration among the Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations, development partners and civil society in advancing prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership.
The programme concluded with participants touring the photography exhibition, reaffirming a shared commitment to building a future free from human trafficking, exploitation and abuse.
