Authorities in Bangladesh have rescued 69 Rohingya refugees, including women and children, during anti-trafficking operations in Teknaf, as they were being prepared for illegal sea travel to Malaysia. Three suspected human traffickers were also arrested during the operation.

The operation was carried out by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in two separate raids on Monday (April 27), confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Md. Hanifur Rahman, commanding officer of Teknaf-2 Battalion.

According to BGB officials, the first raid took place at around 4:30am in the Maheshkhali Para area under Teknaf Sadar Union, following intelligence reports that a group of Rohingya refugees had been gathered at a secret hideout for trafficking purposes.

As BGB personnel surrounded the suspected house, 8–10 individuals attempted to flee. After a brief chase, three suspected traffickers were arrested, while the others managed to escape.

A search of the hideout led to the rescue of 58 Rohingya individuals, including five men, 20 women, and 33 children. Authorities also seized an auto-rickshaw believed to have been used in the trafficking operation, along with two empty gas cylinders.

In a separate raid later the same day in the Nazir Para area of Teknaf, an additional 11 Rohingya, four women and seven children, were rescued, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 69.

BGB officials said the rescued individuals are nationals of Myanmar and residents of various Rohingya camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf. Those with valid identification documents will be returned to their respective camps, while necessary legal action will be taken against those without proper documentation.

Legal proceedings are underway against the arrested traffickers, who will be handed over to Teknaf Police Station, authorities added.

The incident underscores the ongoing activities of human trafficking networks targeting vulnerable Rohingya refugees, many of whom risk dangerous sea journeys in hopes of reaching Malaysia.

BOB Post