Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has successfully foiled a dangerous human trafficking plot in the Shahpari Island area of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, and arrested six members of the trafficking syndicate, including three women.
Four other members of the group managed to escape. Of those arrested, five individuals are Rohingyas.
According to BGB officials, the trafficking ring was attempting to bring foreign nationals from Myanmar and transport them to various camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf.
Acting on a tip-off, BGB launched a swift operation that led to the arrest of the six individuals at a house in the Mistry Para area of Shahpari Island.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Shamsunnahar (35), Hosne Ara (31), Nurunnisa (49), Mohammad Ismail (50), Harun (35) and Yusuf Ali (47).
During the operation, traffickers Kalum Mia (35) and Hashem Molla (25), along with two other individuals, managed to escape.
Lieutenant Colonel Ashikur Rahman, Battalion Commander of BGB in Teknaf, confirmed the operation and said the traffickers had been hiding the victims in a plastic-sheeted room, preparing to transport them to various Rohingya camps.
He added that the traffickers were also helping the victims acquire FDMN cards (Forced Displaced Myanmar Nationals) in exchange for large sums of money.
The arrested individuals have been handed over to the local police station, and legal action is underway.
Lieutenant Colonel Ashikur Rahman emphasised that this operation is a clear example of BGB’s zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking and drug smuggling, highlighting their commitment to ensuring national security and saving lives.
