Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested five suspected human traffickers and rescued 55 people, including women and children, during a special operation in the Baharchhara area of Teknaf.
The drive was conducted at approximately 10pm last Thursday, based on intelligence reports regarding a large-scale attempt to traffic individuals to Malaysia by sea.
The operation was carried out by personnel from Coast Guard Outpost Baharchhara, Shahpuri, and Station Teknaf.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq informed the press on Friday that an operational team signalled a suspicious boat to stop during the raid.
The vessel ignored the signal and attempted to flee, leading to a chase. The Coast Guard successfully intercepted the boat in the sea area adjacent to Kachhapia, Baharchhara.
Upon searching the vessel, officials rescued 55 victims and apprehended five traffickers.
Preliminary interrogations revealed that organised trafficking syndicates had been luring Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals from various parts of the country, including Teknaf.
The victims were reportedly enticed with promises of high-paying jobs, a better life, and low-cost travel to Malaysia.
Lt. Cmdr Siam-ul-Haq stated that legal proceedings against both the arrested traffickers and the rescued individuals are currently underway.
He further emphasised that the Coast Guard will maintain its vigilance and continue such operations to curb human trafficking in the future.
