The commitment of Church of Bangladesh congregations to helping vulnerable women and children has led them to raise 180,000 taka (US$2,675) in a recent special appeal for the anti-trafficking work of the Church.

The money represents a huge sacrifice for church members, who number only around 17,000 and who are mainly poor subsistence farmers, said missionary to Bangladesh David Hall in a report by the Council for World Mission (CWM).

Trafficking of women and children both within and from Bangladesh remains a serious problem. However, most people are still unaware of the risks, and because of this ignorance, many women and children still end up as victims, enticed by false promises of greater security and economic wealth, CWM said.

The church is working to raise awareness of trafficking among vulnerable people and the wider community in which they live through its social development programme.

It is also providing support to previously trafficked women.

Hall said: "The Church of Bangladesh has shown its commitment to the work by organising this special appeal within its congregations, rather than relying totally on external donors.

"With this level of commitment from within the church, it is hoped that the church's work can go a long way in eradicating human trafficking from Bangladesh."