Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) rescued nine people from an alleged human trafficking attempt in Teknaf on Saturday, preventing them from being taken to Malaysia by sea, according to the force.
The rescue operation was conducted in the South Lomborghat area under Teknaf police station based on intelligence information.
According to a press release from Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB), a special patrol team took up a strategic position in the area at around 5:30pm after receiving information that several people were being taken there for trafficking to Malaysia.
At around 6:30pm, the patrol team saw 20 to 25 people gathered near Lomborghat and noticed a suspicious boat approaching the shore from the sea.
When the BGB team pursued the boat, around 10 to 15 alleged members of a human trafficking gang reportedly boarded it and fled towards the sea.
The BGB personnel then rescued nine people who were allegedly being taken to Malaysia against their will.
During initial questioning, the rescued people told the BGB that they had been brought to the area for trafficking.
The rescued individuals included four Rohingyas and five Bangladeshi nationals, according to the BGB.
The Rohingya victims were identified as Amir Hossain, 45, of Balukhali camp; Mohammad Jibon, 19, of Camp 13 in Tangkhali; Jannat Ara, 17, of Camp 15 in Jamtala; and the others were identified as Abdul Khalek, 29, of Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Faisal Karim, 16, of Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ariful Islam, 21, of Chakaria, Nurul Islam, 22, of Moheshkhali, Ahmad Nabi, 23, of Chakaria, and Zahid Alam, 18, of Ukhiya.
The commander of Teknaf Battalion said the BGB maintained a strict stance against human trafficking and other organised crimes.
He said intelligence activities, surveillance, and special operations would continue in the border and coastal areas to prevent human trafficking.
The rescued people are undergoing further legal procedures, the BGB said.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
