Navy detains 273 while attempting to reach Malaysia by sea

The Bangladesh Navy has detained 273 people, including 10 suspected human traffickers, while they were attempting to travel illegally to Malaysia by sea.

The arrests were made early Sunday (January 4) when the naval ship BNS Swadhinata intercepted a wooden boat in the Bay of Bengal near St Martin’s Island. The vessel was also seized during the operation.

According to the Navy, the boat was spotted behaving suspiciously about 30 nautical miles southwest of St Martin’s. When signalled to stop, it attempted to flee, prompting a pursuit that ended with its interception. A total of 273 people were found on board, along with members of a trafficking syndicate.

Those detained told authorities they had embarked on the journey with the help of brokers, aiming to enter Malaysia illegally. The seized boat and the detainees were later handed over to Teknaf Police Station for further legal proceedings.

The Navy’s public relations wing said the vessel lacked adequate food, drinking water, life-saving equipment and basic safety measures, posing a serious risk of humanitarian disaster in deep sea conditions.

The Bangladesh Navy reiterated that it remains vigilant in safeguarding the country’s maritime boundaries and preventing smuggling, human trafficking and illegal maritime migration.