ROSETOWN, Sask. — A woman at the centre of a human trafficking trial in Rosetown says she didn’t believe she would lose her government job in Bangladesh, despite warnings from her employer that her absence could lead to termination.
The complainant, whose name is subject to a publication ban, testified Thursday she left Bangladesh in 2022 on a 15-day leave intended for travel to the United States. Instead, she flew to Toronto on a visitor visa and began applying for jobs in Canada, eventually accepting a position at Empire Diner in Gull Lake, Sask.
She told the court she remained in Canada due to personal hardship, health concerns and financial reasons. Despite repeated reminders from her employer to return, she said she did not believe she would be fired.
“I told them I was sick, that I had back pain,” she testified. “They said to submit proof, including documents from the consulate office.”
Her request to extend her leave was ultimately denied. The Bangladeshi government employer cited internal policy on reason for dismissal.