Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) rescued 17 people, including a suspect in a murder case, during a special operation against human trafficking in Teknaf while they were being prepared for illegal sea passage.
The operation was carried out around 1am on Saturday in the Rajarchhara area adjacent to the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf Marine Drive, based on intelligence information, according to BGB sources.
Members of Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB) surrounded a trawler as traffickers were preparing to send the victims to Malaysia by sea.
Sensing the presence of BGB personnel, the traffickers fled by swimming to a nearby village.
A search of the trawler led to the rescue of 17 victims, including seven men, four women and seven children, all of whom were found unharmed.
The rescued individuals told BGB personnel that the trafficking syndicate had lured them with promises of a better future, high-paying jobs, low-cost overseas travel and quick wealth, and was preparing to send them to Malaysia by sea.
During the verification of names and addresses, the identity of one youth, Mohammad Tarek, 20, appeared suspicious, prompting further questioning.
Subsequent checks with information received from Teknaf Model Police Station confirmed that he is a fugitive accused in a murder case.
The accused, Md Tarek, 20, is the son of Ali Ahmed of Ghonarpara area under Hnila Union in Teknaf upazila.
Teknaf Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman said the operation reflected BGB’s zero-tolerance policy against drug smuggling and human trafficking.
He said there would be no safe haven for human traffickers in the hills or seas along the Teknaf border and that operations would continue to curb such crimes.
He added that Border Guard Bangladesh remains committed to safeguarding the country’s borders, ensuring public security and maintaining law and order.
After completing necessary administrative procedures, the rescued victims were handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station, BGB officials said.
