By: Camp Correspondent
April 24, 2025 | Teknaf, Bangladesh
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has seized 17 cattle—believed to be smuggled across the border from Maungdaw, Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar—and later auctioned them off through the Teknaf Customs Department for over Tk 1.2 million.
The cows and bulls were intercepted on the night of April 20 by a BGB patrol team near the Nat River in Hoaikyong Union, an area often used for informal cross-border movement.
“The animals were brought into Bangladesh through illegal channels without any ownership documents,” said customs officer Md. Nafis Amin Rizvi, adding that no individual claimed responsibility for the cattle.
No Owner Identified, Immediate Handover to Customs
Upon seizure, the livestock was transferred to the Teknaf Customs warehouse, where the total value was initially assessed at around Tk 1.37 million.
A public auction was held on April 23, where 46 licensed bidders participated. The cattle were sold for Tk 1,221,000, with an additional Tk 1,526,250 collected in taxes and processing fees.
“The auction followed proper procedures and was completed without incident,” confirmed Md. Sohel Uddin, another customs officer involved in the sale.
Border Trade, Informal Livelihoods, and Risk of Crackdown
This latest incident highlights the complex dynamics along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, particularly in Rohingya-inhabited areas like Maungdaw and Teknaf. Cattle smuggling, though illegal, is often linked to survival economies, especially for Rohingya and other marginalized border communities with no access to formal trade or livelihoods.
“Many of these cattle are moved by desperate people—not organized criminals—trying to earn something to feed their families,” said a Teknaf-based rights worker familiar with border activity.
Increased Surveillance Amid Regional Tensions
The BGB has increased surveillance along the southern border belt, citing concerns over smuggling, illegal crossings, and potential unrest from the ongoing conflict in northern Arakan. However, Rohingya community members fear that increased militarization may lead to further criminalization of subsistence activities by vulnerable groups.
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