Many had travelled with valid passports, visas, and government clearances but were later coerced into illegal activities and subjected to intimidation, confinement, passport confiscation and abuse, Anirban said.
TBS Report
19 October, 2026, 11:10 am
Last modified: 19 October, 2026, 11:13 am
Anirban Survivor Voice Foundation has called for the urgent repatriation of more than 1,800 Bangladeshis reportedly stranded in online scam compounds in Cambodia, where they have reportedly faced human trafficking, fraud and forced criminal activities.
In a letter to government officials yesterday (18 October), the organisation said Cambodian authorities had received a list of 1,797 affected Bangladeshis, while around 400 others faced similar circumstances.
Many had travelled with valid passports, visas and government clearances but were later coerced into illegal activities and subjected to intimidation, confinement, passport confiscation and abuse, Anirban said.
Despite Cambodia waiving fines for expired visas, high airfares and administrative hurdles were preventing many from returning home, it added.
The organisation urged the government to arrange special flights to ensure their safe return before a visa-overstay fine waiver expires on 31 October, prosecute trafficking networks and recruitment agencies, provide rehabilitation and medical, psychological and legal support to survivors, and strengthen accountability in the migration system.