57 hostages rescued, five suspected traffickers detained; firearms, ammunition recovered
A Bangladesh Army soldier was killed in a gunfight with an armed human trafficking gang during a joint operation in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Thursday.
Fifty-seven people held captive by the trafficking gang were rescued, and five suspected traffickers were detained during the operation. A pistol, a locally made firearm and four rounds of ammunition were also recovered.
The incident took place at around 5:00 pm in the steep hills of Rangikhali in Teknaf upazila.
The deceased soldier was identified as Sainik Md Titas Sheikh, 27. He was shot in the left shoulder during the exchange of fire and sustained critical injuries. He was later taken to Ramu Combined Military Hospital (CMH), where doctors declared him dead.
The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) confirmed the incident in a press release.
According to the release, intelligence information indicated that an armed human trafficking group of around 15 to 16 members had held nearly 120 Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals captive in the steep hills of Rangikhali.
Based on the information, a joint operational team comprising personnel from the Army’s 10 Infantry Division, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local police was formed to conduct the operation.
When the joint team reached the area at around 5:00 pm, the armed traffickers reportedly detected their presence and opened fire indiscriminately.
A gunfight then broke out between the two sides, during which soldier Titas Sheikh was shot in the left shoulder and critically injured.
He was immediately rescued and given initial treatment at a nearby hospital. As his condition deteriorated due to severe blood loss, he was taken to Ramu CMH for advanced treatment, where the duty doctor declared him dead.
During the operation, the joint forces recovered one pistol, one locally made gun and four rounds of ammunition from the scene.
Five suspected members of the human trafficking gang were detained, while 57 people who had been held captive were rescued, according to ISPR.
The Bangladesh Army paid tribute to the young soldier who lost his life while on duty and prayed for the forgiveness of his soul. The force also expressed deep condolences to his bereaved family.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
