Bangladesh Coast Guard rescues 55 in anti-trafficking drive in Teknaf

Photo: Times of Bangladesh

Arakan Now | 20 Feb 2026

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has rescued 55 people, including women and children, during an anti-human trafficking operation in Baharchhara area of Teknaf upazila. Five alleged human traffickers were arrested in the drive, according to BSS.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq disclosed the information on Friday.

He said that acting on a tip-off, separate teams from Coast Guard Outpost Baharchhara, Shahporir Dwip, and Teknaf Station conducted a joint operation in the area at around 10:00 pm on Thursday.

During the operation, the Coast Guard intercepted a boat and rescued 55 victims who were being trafficked to Malaysia by sea. The rescued individuals included women and children. Five suspected traffickers were detained from the boat.

According to preliminary interrogation, organised trafficking syndicates had been luring Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals from Teknaf and other parts of the country with promises of better opportunities abroad at relatively low costs.

The syndicates were attempting to send them to Malaysia through maritime routes, the officer added.

Legal action against the detained traffickers is currently underway.

The media officer also said that the Coast Guard will continue its operations to curb human trafficking and ensure maritime security in the region.