From Rescue to Reform: IJM’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative in Bangladesh

At Inspire, we believe investing should do more than avoid harm; it should inspire transformation.

Through our Give50 program, Inspire Investing donates 50% of lifetime net profits from management fees to support impactful Christian ministries. One of those ministries is International Justice Mission (IJM), which just reached a major milestone.

On September 17, 2025, IJM and the Government of Bangladesh launched Project Shurakkha (meaning “protection”) — a five-year initiative aimed at reducing commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) by at least 50% and reaching 6.5 million children.

“We have an epidemic of [abuse] on our hands, much of it commercialized, with children [abused] multiple times every day so that others may gain wealth. That is the type of crime that eats away at the very soul of a nation. But today as we launch our program, I have great hope — because this is not the end of the story.”— Claire Wilkinson, IJM Regional Vice President, Bangladesh

The launch event in Dhaka gathered over 200 stakeholders, including law enforcement, high-level government officials, survivor advocates, and justice leaders from across IJM’s global offices.

Attendees heard testimonies of transformation, panel discussions on legal reform, and celebrated the hard-won government registration that now empowers IJM to fully implement its model of protection in Bangladesh.

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Even before the official launch, IJM made incredible progress:

• 13 trafficking cases supported across borders
• 27 survivors rescued and repatriated, including victims trafficked into India, Malaysia, and Thailand
• 50+ police officers trained in anti-trafficking tactics, trauma-informed interviewing, and victim care
• Strategic partnerships were formed with survivor collectives and NGOs to strengthen aftercare and long-term support.

Part of this progress includes the story of Fahra, a 33-year-old Bangladeshi woman trafficked to a brothel in Mumbai under false pretenses. After enduring daily abuse, she bravely escaped with help from a network of IJM staff, police, and survivor advocates. She is now free, safe, and receiving care thanks to cross-border coordination.

Project Shurakkha is modeled after IJM’s proven protection programs in the Philippines and India, where CSEC was reduced by 75% or more. Now, the Bangladesh team is scaling up fast:

• Hiring 20+ new team members in a Christian-minority context
• Launching baseline studies across four cities
• Continuing law enforcement training and justice system reform
• Praying for peace around the upcoming national election

“Our prayer is that this seed we are planting in Bangladesh will grow into a mighty sequoia of justice in the years to come.”

— Claire Wilkinson

Join the Movement

At Inspire, we’re honored to stand with partners like IJM and with investors and financial professionals like you who see investing as more than a transaction — but as a tool to advance God’s justice, mercy, and love in the world.

Join us in praying for these needs:

• For continued trust to be built between IJM and the Bangladesh government and NGO partners
• For the upcoming elections to bring reform and aid to prevent CSEC
• For Project Shurakkha to succeed and set a precedent for new policies

Your portfolio can make an impact!

Inspire Investing’s Give50 Program donates 50% of our lifetime net profit from management fees to IJM and other Christian ministry partners. Connect with an Inspire Advisor to learn more.

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