NN Online:
Eighteen workers who were abducted from Jadimura Hill in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, have been rescued on Tuesday afternoon, and are now safely in the custody of RAB-15 for further protection and investigation.
On Monday morning, the abducted workers went to Jadimura Hill to plant saplings as part of their work with the Forest Department. During this time, they were kidnapped by armed terrorists and taken deep into the mountains.
RAB-15 Senior Assistant Director and Additional Police Superintendent Md Kamruzzaman said a joint operation was launched by RAB and other forces on Monday to rescue the abducted workers. After a thorough search in the mountains, the abductors eventually released all 18 workers. They are now in RAB custody and are reported to be unharmed.
Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, two individuals suspected of being involved in the incident were arrested. They are currently under preliminary interrogation.
Teknaf Model police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Muhammad Gias Uddin said the rescued workers were being brought down from the hills. Once they arrive at the station, they will be questioned to gather detailed information about the incident.
On Tuesday morning, around 8 am, eight individuals, including two auto-rickshaw drivers, were reportedly abducted on the Hnila-Shamlapur road in Teknaf, said Shamlapur CNG auto-rickshaws Line Manager Md Abdur Rahim.
He said the incident occurred when two Shamlapur-bound CNG auto-rickshaws, coming from Hnila, were intercepted by a group of robbers near Dhala. The robbers abducted the drivers and passengers, totaling approximately eight people. Upon receiving the news, police from Baharchhara Investigation Center rushed to the spot. However, the identities and addresses of the abductees remain unknown.
Hnila Union Parishad 9th Ward Member Mohammad Ali expressed concern over the series of abductions carried out by Rohingya criminals hiding in the hills. He said, “The abductors often release their captives after extorting ransom, subjecting the victims to severe abuse if their demands are not met. Residents of the area are living in constant fear due to these recurring incidents.”
According to Teknaf Police, 14 abduction cases have been filed between August 18 and December 2024. These cases involve at least 65 accused individuals, of whom 30 have been arrested so far.
