Navy rescues 16 trafficking victims, detains suspect in Teknaf

The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 16 individuals, including Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas, from a secret hideout in a coastal hilly area of Teknaf upazila in Cox's Bazar. 

The operation also led to the arrest of a suspected broker involved in human trafficking, confirmed Lieutenant Commander Afzal Hossain of the Navy's Teknaf contingent.

The Navy official said the operation was carried out this afternoon (25 January) in the Kachchhapia hilly area of Baharchhara union.

The arrested individual, Mohammad Abdullah, 25, is a resident of the Kachchhapia area. 

According to Lieutenant Commander Afzal, the Navy acted on intelligence reports about a broker gang assembling people at a hidden location with plans to smuggle them to Malaysia by sea.

During the raid, several individuals attempted to flee. While most escaped, Abdullah was apprehended after a chase. 

Following the arrest, a thorough search of the hideout led to the rescue of 16 people, including women and children. Among them were two Bangladeshi nationals, while the rest were identified as residents of Rohingya camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf.

The rescued individuals, along with the detained broker, were handed over to Teknaf Police Station.

Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Gias Uddin confirmed receiving the victims and the suspect. 

"Measures are being taken to reunite the rescued victims with their families as per the directives of higher authorities," the OC said.
Additionally, a case has been filed under relevant laws against the detained suspect, he added.