Question Taken at August 10, 2004 Daily Press Briefing

Bangladesh Trafficking in Persons Ranking

Question: Is Bangladesh a Tier 3 country in the Trafficking in Persons report? If so, is Bangladesh being sanctioned, or would face sanctions, as a result?

Answer: Bangladesh has been designated as a Tier 3 country on the Trafficking in Persons report. The U.S. is working with Bangladesh on areas of compliance with the recommendations of this report. Sanctions could be imposed if the government of Bangladesh does not take significant steps to address trafficking issues. No decision has been made on whether sanctions would be appropriate in this case. The President has until September 30, 2004 to make a decision on whether to impose or waive sanctions.

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Released on August 10, 2004