In a coordinated operation along Bangladesh’s southern coastline, members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) rescued 15 individuals—including women, men and children—who had allegedly been confined for the purpose of human trafficking to Malaysia.
The joint raid took place at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 15 February, in the Kachhapia area of Baharchhara ইউনিয়ন under Teknaf উপজেলা of Cox’s Bazar district. The operation was formally confirmed to the media on Monday afternoon by Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq.
According to officials, the অভিযান followed credible intelligence reports indicating that a suspected trafficker, identified as মো. আব্দুল আলী, had detained several নারী, পুরুষ and শিশু in a warehouse located within his residential compound. The victims were allegedly being prepared for clandestine transport by sea to Malaysia, a route long exploited by organised trafficking syndicates operating along the Teknaf coastline.
Upon verifying the intelligence, personnel from Coast Guard Station Teknaf, the Baharchhara outpost and RAB launched a coordinated অভিযান. A search of the warehouse led to the উদ্ধার of 15 আটক individuals. However, members of the trafficking network reportedly fled the scene after becoming aware of the উপস্থিতি of law enforcement officers. No arrests were made at the সময় of the অভিযান, though authorities stated that efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.
Preliminary Operation Summary
| বিষয় | তথ্য |
|---|---|
| Number rescued | 15 persons |
| Gender and age | Women, men and children |
| Date of operation | 15 February |
| Location | Kachhapia, Baharchhara, Teknaf |
| Agencies involved | Bangladesh Coast Guard and RAB |
| Arrests made | None (suspects absconded) |
During initial questioning, the rescued individuals stated that members of an organised trafficking ring had lured them with promises of improved living standards, well-paid employment and low-cost migration to Malaysia. Some of those rescued are believed to be স্থানীয় বাসিন্দা of Cox’s Bazar district, while others are suspected to be Rohingya nationals.
Authorities explained that trafficking syndicates typically move victims to remote border এলাকাস, confining them in secluded houses or storage facilities before arranging maritime passage under cover of darkness. The Teknaf coast, situated near the Naf River estuary and facing the Bay of Bengal, has long been identified as a vulnerable corridor for such অপরাধ.
The উদ্ধারকৃত individuals have since been handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for further legal procedures. Officials confirmed that identity verification, family tracing and necessary humanitarian assistance are underway.
Law enforcement agencies reiterated their commitment to intensifying coastal surveillance and conducting regular অভিযান to disrupt trafficking networks. They also urged স্থানীয় residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasising that prevention requires sustained cooperation between authorities and the community.