Police have recovered the bodies of three men from a remote and densely forested hilly area in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar, triggering widespread concern and tension across the locality.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at around 10:00am in an inaccessible stretch of woodland in the northern Shilkhali area under Baharchhara Union. According to police and local sources, the bodies were first discovered by villagers travelling along a পাহাড়ি (hill) path. Upon noticing the scene, they immediately alerted local authorities, prompting a swift response from the police.
Officers from Teknaf Model Police Station later reached the site and, with assistance from local residents, retrieved the three bodies from the difficult terrain. The rugged and forested landscape significantly slowed down the recovery operation.
The deceased have been identified as Mujibur Rahman (38), Nur Bashar (20), and Robiul Awal (19). All three were residents of Shilkhali village in Baharchhara Union. Preliminary observations by local representatives and law enforcement suggest that the bodies bore multiple injuries, including signs consistent with sharp weapon attacks and severe trauma to the head.
Locals have claimed that the deceased had long been associated with allegations relating to abduction and human trafficking activities in the region, although these claims have not been formally verified by authorities. Residents further suggested that the remote hilly terrain had allegedly been used as a concealed location for such activities. Police, however, have stressed that no conclusion has yet been reached and all allegations remain under investigation.
Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam stated that initial assessments indicate the possibility of an internal dispute linked to abduction and trafficking networks, which may have led to the killings. He emphasised, however, that this remains a working theory and has not been confirmed. “We are examining all possible angles. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to identify those involved,” he said.
Baharchhara Union Parishad Chairman Amjad Hossain Khokon noted that authorities were informed immediately after the bodies were discovered. He described the incident as highly disturbing, adding that the nature of the injuries suggested a planned and brutal attack. Nonetheless, he also cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete.
A particularly distressing account came from the family of one of the victims. Robiul Awal’s father, Ruhul Amin, stated that Mujibur Rahman had called his son out during the night, after which he went missing. The following morning, they were informed that three bodies had been found in the hills. Upon reaching the location, the family reportedly found Robiul’s body in a severely injured state. He expressed shock and confusion over the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Summary of the deceased
| Name | Age | Village (Baharchhara, Shilkhali) | Status & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mujibur Rahman | 38 | Shilkhali | Deceased; alleged prior links to criminal activity (unverified) |
| Nur Bashar | 20 | Shilkhali | Deceased; locally known resident |
| Robiul Awal | 19 | Shilkhali | Deceased; reportedly called out before disappearance |
Police have confirmed that the investigation is being treated as a high-priority case. Given the remote and challenging terrain, operational progress is slower than usual, but multiple investigative teams are working simultaneously. Authorities have assured that efforts are ongoing to identify those responsible and determine the precise motive behind the killings.