Six rubber workers abducted from a plantation in Tongkaboti area of Bandarban have returned safely after a 22-hour special operation by the Bangladesh Army.
Police said the operation also led to the detention of a man named Meng Tang Mro, who is suspected of involvement in the abduction.
Tongkaboti Union Parishad Chairman Mang Yang Mro said armed attackers entered Ismail’s rubber plantation at Hatir Dera area around 11:45pm on Wednesday (22 April). They abducted six workers — Md Ismail, Md Arafat, Md Shafique, Md Nurul Afser, Md Kalimullah and Md Romit.
He said police from Tongkaboti police outpost and Bandarban Sadar Police Station rushed to the spot soon after the incident. Later, army personnel launched a special rescue operation.
In a press release issued by Bangladesh Army Bandarban Sadar Zone on Friday (24 April), it said a special team began searching possible locations from early Thursday (23 April). During the operation, the team surrounded a hill area around 5am on Friday. Sensing the presence of troops, the abductors released the hostages and fled. The workers came out safely at around 6am.
The press release added that after initial questioning, the six workers were handed over to their respective families.
It also said the suspect Meng Tang Mro was handed over to Bandarban Sadar Police Station.
Officer-in-Charge of Bandarban Sadar Police Station, Shahid Parvez, said Meng Tang Mro has been shown arrested in connection with the abduction case and legal steps are underway.
Rubber plantation owner Mohammad Ismail said a regional group had demanded a large sum of money as extortion from rubber plantation owners. He said the incident may have taken place after he refused to pay.
He also said the abductors initially demanded Tk20 lakh as ransom while concealing their identity. However, he declined to confirm whether any ransom was eventually paid for the release of the workers.
