Seven people including women and children trapped in mountains in Teknaf
The Coast Guard has rescued seven people including women and children trapped in the deep mountains of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, from a human trafficker’s hideout. Three traffickers have also been arrested along with weapons. Teknaf Coast Guard Station Commander Lieutenant Commander Salauddin Rashid Tanvir confirmed this information at a press conference on Monday (December 8) afternoon.
The rescued are – Taslima (25), Md. Sohel (4), Hossaina Bibi (5), Hasna (18), Shahida (19), Bashir Ahmed (26) and Nur Mohammad (40) of Inani Jaliapalong area of Ukhia. The three traffickers arrested are – Abdur Rahman (32), Hamid Hossain (28) of Marishbunia area of Baherchhara union of Teknaf upazila and Helal Uddin (30) of Baro Dail area.
The Coast Guard said that based on information received from previously arrested traffickers and intelligence sources, several people were being held captive deep in the mountains for the purpose of smuggling to Malaysia by sea. Based on this information, a special operation was conducted by the Coast Guard in the mountainous area adjacent to Baharchhara on Sunday night. The captive victims were rescued and three traffickers were arrested. According to the information given by them later, a country-made firearm was recovered.
During interrogation, the victims said that they were detained by organized traffickers on the pretext of sending them to Malaysia with the lure of a better life. In addition, attempts are being made to extort ransom by intimidation. Teknaf Coast Guard Station Commander said that necessary legal action is being taken against the rescued victims, weapons have been seized and the traffickers have been arrested. He said that such operations will continue in the future to prevent human trafficking.
