9 human traffickers held 50 Rescued

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has rescued 50 people and arrested 9 human traffickers during a special operation in Baharchhara, Teknaf, as the victims were being trafficked to Malaysia by sea.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander BN Sabbir Alam Sujan confirmed the matter on Saturday afternoon.

He stated that a large number of people were being taken through the Teknaf sea area for the purpose of trafficking. From 6:00 PM on Friday, June 5, until midnight, members of Coast Guard vessel Monsur Ali, Station Teknaf, Outpost Shahpari, and Baharchhara conducted a joint operation. When a suspicious boat was signaled to stop but failed to do so, it was intercepted from the sea area adjacent to Baharchhara. Following a search, 50 people were rescued and 9 traffickers were arrested.

During preliminary interrogation, it was revealed that an organized human trafficking syndicate lured Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals to Teknaf with promises of high-paying jobs and a better life abroad. They were then planning to traffic them to various countries, and were being held in secret hideouts where they were subjected to abuse. Allegations of extorting ransom from the victims’ families have also been received.

He said, “Legal action will be taken against them, and such operations will continue in the future to prevent trafficking.”