AGARTALA, February 23 (TIWN): Human trafficking is a growing problem along the Indo-Bangladesh border, and sources say security forces are unduly assisting the human trafficking business.

According to sources, several such cases of Indo-Bangladeshi human trafficking are pending; many more are never reported. The 4,024-km border is relatively porous and cross-border movement is easy.

"Trafficking of girls and women happens to and from both directions, depending on the prices, which in turn depends on the quality of girls and also on how strict the officer on duty is," the source mentioned.

India's Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) are in charge of patrolling the Indo-Bangladesh border and preventing smuggling and human trafficking.

TIWN team today found that despite a heavy presence of the Border Security Force (BSF), crossing the border from India to Bangladesh was very easy. One just needed to be in the local costume and carry Rs.3, 000 to bribe the security personnel to cross the line of control without any identity proof. No wonder, human trafficking and smuggling of cattle and medicines have been rampant in the area.

"We smuggle cattle and also help people cross the border. We take Rs.3, 000-4,000 and in return help people cross the border. We do not know who is a terrorist and who is not," admitted an agent indulging in human trafficking and smuggling.

According to a report an estimated 800 000 women and children are trafficked each year across international borders.