11 suspected human traffickers held as navy rescues 65 Malaysia-bound victims

The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 76 people, including 11 suspected members of a human trafficking ring it has detained, from a boat allegedly carrying them illegally to Malaysia.

The operation was carried out on Wednesday night (30 September) during a routine patrol by the navy ship BNS Khalid Bin Walid, according to a statement issued yesterday (1 October).

The boat was found about 81 nautical miles from the Saint Martin's lighthouse after a fishing vessel, FV Crystal-1, spotted it drifting at sea.

The fishing vessel initially noticed the wooden boat while carrying out fishing operations after its engine broke down. When its crew approached to offer assistance, they became suspicious of the behaviour of some people on board and alerted the navy.

BNS Khalid Bin Walid, patrolling the Saint Martin's area at the time, reached the location and rescued the drifting boat.

Water was entering the boat after its engine and pump malfunctioned, according to the navy. Its personnel pumped out the water and brought the situation under control before rescuing all 76 people on board.

The rescued people were given first aid, food and other humanitarian assistance.

Initial questioning found that 11 of the 76 people were allegedly members of a human trafficking network, while the remaining 65 had been deceived into attempting to travel to Malaysia.

Most of the 65 people had allegedly been abducted by traffickers and held in remote areas of Teknaf before being taken to sea for onward travel to Malaysia, according to the navy.

The boat was being used to illegally transport passengers to Malaysia by sea, it added.

The 11 detainees and the seized boat are being turned over to Teknaf police for further legal action.

The navy said its operation has not only led to the detention of suspected traffickers but also prevented a potentially serious accident and loss of life.