29 Rohingya Trafficking Victims Rescued in Teknaf, 3 Arrested

Photo: BGP

Arakan Now | 23 October 2025

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) rescued 29 Rohingya trafficking victims and arrested three suspected traffickers during an overnight anti-trafficking operation in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on 21 October.

According to a BGB press release, the operation took place along Marine Drive beach after intelligence reports suggested traffickers were attempting to send Rohingya refugees to sea. Around midnight, BGB-2 Teknaf Battalion troops noticed suspicious movement near the beach, quickly surrounded the area, and rescued 29 Rohingya victims from a boat.

The arrested suspects were identified as Md Salim (35) and Md Nurul Absar (19), both residents of Maheshkhaliya Para in Teknaf, and Monsur Alam (22) from the Kutupalong Rohingya camp. At least seven other traffickers are still on the run.

BGB also seized a locally made knife, a motorcycle, and an engine-powered wooden boat used in the trafficking attempt.

Lt. Col. Ashiqur Rahman, commanding officer of the Teknaf Battalion, said the victims will be handed over to the concerned authorities, and legal action has been initiated against the detained traffickers.

“Our timely action prevented another attempt to traffic Rohingya refugees to sea,” he said.