66 rescued during human trafficking attempt in Teknaf

A joint force of the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Navy rescued 66 people, including women and children, from a remote hill area in Teknaf on Thursday night (September 18), foiling an attempt to traffic them to Malaysia by sea.

The rescue operation was conducted in the Kachhapia hill area of Baharchhara Union under Teknaf Upazila, following intelligence reports, said Lt Commander Siam-ul-Haque, media officer at the Coast Guard headquarters.

Among those rescued are 23 women, 22 men, and 21 children — the majority of whom are believed to be Rohingya refugees.

According to officials, the victims had been gathered by an organised trafficking ring. Some were reportedly abducted and held for ransom, while others had been lured with false promises of being taken to Malaysia.

“Acting on a tip-off around 8:30pm, a joint team launched an operation in the area. While 15 to 20 traffickers managed to flee, several hidden shelters were discovered in the hills,” said Lt Commander Siam-ul-Haque.

He added that the rescued individuals confirmed the involvement of organised trafficking networks operating in the region. Legal procedures are underway at Teknaf Police Station, and efforts are being made to reunite the victims with their families.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those behind the trafficking attempt. A press briefing will be held at the Coast Guard’s Teknaf Station to provide further details.