Dhaka, Dec 13 (IANS) The Bangladesh cabinet has approved a draft bill on human trafficking that would punish offenders with death, an official said.

The proposed 'Human Trafficking Prevention and Protection Act 2011' envisages a provision of the death penalty, life-time imprisonment and a fine of up to five lakh taka (around $6,290), the prime minister's press secretary Abul Kalam Azad was quoted as saying by the Daily Star.

There will be a special tribunal in every district to look into the heinous crime after the bill is passed in parliament, he said.

For stealing newly-born children from hospitals or clinics, a person would face life in prison or 12 years rigorous imprisonment with a fine.

If a person uses his own wealth or land for human trafficking, he or she will be given eight years in prison.

Any person or organised gang involved in human trafficking will have to serve 14 years in prison, and 10 years for forcing anyone into prostitution.

Anybody operating a brothel will face a five-year rigorous jail term, while the owner of houses allowing prostitution will face a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years rigorous imprisonment.

©Indo-Asian News Service