By: Camp Correspondent
Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar | December 30, 2024
Bangladeshi authorities successfully intercepted a human trafficking operation on December 29, rescuing 61 Rohingyas, including 37 children, who were being illegally transported to Malaysia by sea. The operation, led by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), resulted in the arrest of five suspected human traffickers during a raid in Teknaf’s Baharchara union.
Acting on intelligence, law enforcement raided a house in the Baharchara hill area, owned by Abdul Alim, in the early hours of the day. The raid led to the detention of 18 men, 11 women, and 37 children, all of whom are Rohingya refugees attempting to flee the camps in Cox’s Bazar.
The arrested traffickers have been identified as Md Rashed (25), Saleh Ahmed (35), his brother Nurul Kabir (27), Syed Alam (24), and Kamrul Islam, also known as Md Shipon (32). During the operation, authorities seized four bullets and two locally-manufactured weapons.
According to police official Md Gias Uddin of Teknaf Police Station, a case has been filed against the suspects, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network.
Persistent Risks for Rohingya Refugees
This incident underscores the continued vulnerability of Rohingya refugees, who are often lured by traffickers with false promises of better opportunities abroad. Desperate to escape their dire living conditions, many fall prey to these illegal networks, risking their lives on perilous journeys by sea.
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling human trafficking operations and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, who are at heightened risk of exploitation.
“This operation is a testament to our dedication to protecting the Rohingya community from such heinous crimes,” said a senior official involved in the raid. “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring traffickers to justice and safeguard those at risk.”
Community Reaction
Local and international organizations have praised the swift action by the authorities. However, they emphasize the need for long-term measures to address the root causes of trafficking, including improving conditions in refugee camps and providing refugees with safer, legal opportunities for resettlement.
