A total of 50 individuals, including women and children, have been rescued from a fishing trawler off the Teknaf coast in Cox’s Bazar while they were being trafficked to Malaysia. In the same operation, the Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested nine suspected human traffickers.
The information was disclosed on Saturday afternoon at a press briefing held at the Coast Guard’s Teknaf station office by Station Commander Lieutenant Commander Md Muttakin Siddiqui. Among those rescued, 11 were Rohingya and 39 were Bangladeshi nationals.
According to the Coast Guard, intelligence was received on Friday evening that a group of people was being transported by sea via Teknaf coastal waters for trafficking to Malaysia. Following the tip-off, Coast Guard units intensified surveillance across all coastal points in the area.
A suspicious fishing trawler was later detected in the sea adjacent to Baharchhara. Coast Guard personnel signalled the vessel to stop, but the crew attempted to flee upon noticing the presence of law enforcement. A chase ensued, after which the trawler was intercepted and brought under control.
Upon searching the vessel, 50 victims intended for trafficking were rescued. Nine individuals involved in human trafficking were also arrested during the operation.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Md Russell, Md Amir Uddin, Md Sahab Uddin, Md Yunus, Md Jasim, Md Rafiq, Md Abdur Razzak, Md Ismail, and Md Suroj Zaman. They were later handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station, and a case was filed under relevant sections of the law.
Lieutenant Commander Md Muttakin Siddiqui stated at the briefing that organised trafficking syndicates lure Bangladeshi and Rohingya individuals with promises of high-paying jobs abroad and better living conditions. He added that the victims are brought to the Teknaf coastal area and later confined in secret locations, where they are allegedly subjected to abuse and extortion for ransom.
Summary of Rescue and Arrests
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of operation | Teknaf coastal area, Cox’s Bazar |
| Vessel type | Fishing trawler |
| Total rescued | 50 individuals |
| Rohingya rescued | 11 |
| Bangladeshi nationals rescued | 39 |
| Arrested suspects | 9 individuals |
| Conducting agency | Bangladesh Coast Guard |
| Incident timeline | Friday evening intelligence, Saturday briefing |
| Legal action | Handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station |