Tk25 lakh ransom demanded for two reportedly kidnapped in Teknaf: UP member

Alleged armed terrorists have sought Tk25 lakh from the families of two men who were reportedly kidnapped from Teknaf of Cox's Bazar yesterday (25 February).

The duo were abducted by masked men in the morning when they took their cows to graze in the Baharchhara Hill area, Rafikul Islam, a union parishad member of ward-6 under Baharchhara union in Teknaf, confirmed the matter this noon (26 February).

The abductees were identified as Ahmad Ullah, 48, son of Absar Ahmed and Jasim Uddin, 18, son of Abdus Salam, from Jahajpura area under Baharchhara union in the upazila. 

Citing the family members of the abductees, Rafikul said, "Locals saw some masked men abducting the two at gunpoint and take them deep in the hill at around 8:30am yesterday (25 February)."

"Although the abductors did not ask for money till Tuesday evening, they reportedly called around 10:30pm and asked for Tk25 lakh separately to the two families. Police have been informed about the matter," he added.

Stating that such abductions are happening on a regular basis, the UP member urged the government to launch drives against such crimes.

Contacted, Baharchhara Police Investigation Centre's Inspector Shuvo Ranjan Saha said, "Police are conducting drives on the hill after being informed through the public representative of the locality."

"However, no one has filed any complaints yet. We have been informed by the public representative of the area that some unidentified individuals have asked for ransom from the family members of the victims," the inspector said.

According to data from Cox's Bazar police, a total of 226 people were abducted from various areas in Teknaf in the last 14 months. Another 87 were abducted from Ukhiya during the period.