The Bangladesh Army has paid tribute to soldier Md Titas Sheikh, who was killed in an operation against a human trafficking gang in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, and has expressed deep condolences to his bereaved family.
Titas Sheikh, 27, was critically injured by gunfire from members of a human trafficking gang during a joint operation in the remote hills of Rangikhali in Teknaf upazila on Thursday afternoon. He later died while undergoing treatment.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), law enforcement agencies received intelligence that an armed human trafficking group of 15 to 16 members had held around 120 Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals hostage in the remote hills of Rangikhali.
A joint team comprising members of the Bangladesh Army’s 10 Infantry Division, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local police reached the area at around 5:00pm.
Sensing the presence of the joint forces, the armed traffickers opened fire indiscriminately, triggering an exchange of gunfire between the two sides.
During the exchange, Titas Sheikh sustained a gunshot wound to his left shoulder and was critically injured. As his condition deteriorated due to heavy blood loss, he was rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for initial treatment.
He was later transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Ramu for advanced treatment, where the attending doctors declared him dead.
The joint forces recovered a pistol, a locally made firearm and four rounds of ammunition from the scene. Five alleged members of the trafficking gang were also detained, while 57 people held hostage were rescued, according to the ISPR.
In a statement, the ISPR said the Bangladesh Army would remember the young soldier’s sacrifice with deep respect as he died while performing his duty in the service of the country.
The Army prayed for the salvation of his departed soul and conveyed its deepest condolences to his family.
The force also said it would continue to remember Titas’s sacrifice as it serves to ensure the safety and security of the country’s people.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
