3 'human traffickers' arrested, 84 victims rescued in Cox's Bazar

 
A joint operation by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) rescued 84 Malaysia-bound people from the hideouts of human traffickers in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar.

Three members of the trafficking gang were arrested after the traffickers opened fire during the raid.

Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman, Commander of Teknaf Battalion and Lieutenant Colonel Kamrul Hasan, Commander of RAB-15 confirmed the information during a press conference held at Teknaf Battalion (BGB 2) headquarters on Monday.

The arrested traffickers have been identified as Abdullah, 21, from Uttar Kacchapia; Saiful Islam, 20, from Raja Chora; and Md. Ibrahim, 20. All residents of Baharchara union in the upazila.

According to Lt Col Ashiqur Rahman, the joint force launched the day-long raid on Sunday based on recent intelligence. For some time, law enforcement agencies have been active in countering human trafficking, drug smuggling and kidnapping for ransom, but this specific operation was planned based on new information.

Lt Col Kamrul Hasan said that the traffickers were holding the victims in a remote hilly hideout, promising them safe passage abroad.
The raid was initiated after the initial capture of one trafficker and the rescue of four victims on Saturday, which provided crucial information leading to a comprehensive search at Raja Chora hill range. During the operation, the traffickers opened fire on the joint force and attempted to push some of the victims down the hill.

However, the BGB and RAB tactfully ascended the hill, avoiding a direct confrontation to ensure the safety of the victims. In a daring 12-hour raid, two more traffickers were apprehended. The joint force also recovered a one-shooter gun, a single-barrelled shotgun, a foreign pistol, local machetes and knives, along with ammunition.

A total of 84 victims were rescued, with 51 found in the hills and at the base, six on the mountaintop and four in the Boraitoli area.

>>Chanchal Das Gupta in Cox's Bazar