A joint operation by the Coast Guard and Bangladesh Navy has led to the rescue of 66 displaced Rohingyas from a human trafficking operation in the remote hills of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.
The victims, including 44 women and children, were en route to Malaysia by a trafficking syndicate.
The operation, which took place between 6pm and 10pm on Thursday, targeted a hideout located in the deep hills of the Baharchhara Union in the Teknaf area. The rescue mission uncovered that most of the individuals were Rohingya refugees, with many of them lured by promises of a better life in Malaysia or kidnapped and brought to the area to be held hostage for ransom.
According to the Coast Guard, a human trafficking syndicate had gathered the victims at this hideout with the help of brokers. While some were enticed with the prospects of a better life, others were forcefully abducted. The kidnappers were reportedly attempting to extort ransom from the hostages.
The authorities had received secret information about the illegal operation and launched the joint raid with the Navy. While 66 victims were rescued, around 15 to 20 members of the trafficking group managed to escape during the operation.
Coast Guard spokesman Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq confirmed that efforts are underway to identify and arrest the traffickers. “We are verifying the identities of the rescued individuals, and they will soon be handed over to their families,” he said.
A case is being prepared at Teknaf police station, and authorities have confirmed that so far in 2025, 62 human traffickers have been arrested, and 77 victims have been rescued in the Teknaf area. The winter months are known to see an increase in human trafficking activities, as illegal migration attempts peak during this period.
