Bangladesh Navy Detains 273 Rohingya Attempting Sea Journey to Malaysia

Photo: Collected

Arakan Now | 4 January 2026

The Bangladesh Navy has detained 273 Rohingya refugees who were attempting to travel to Malaysia by sea, according to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday.

The detainees were intercepted late Saturday night in the waters adjacent to St Martin’s Island while trying to leave Bangladesh illegally aboard a wooden boat.

ISPR said a Bangladesh Navy ship, BNS Swadhinata, detected suspicious movement of the vessel about 30 nautical miles southwest of St Martin’s Island. The navy immediately pursued and intercepted the boat.

During the operation, navy personnel also arrested 10 suspected members of a human trafficking syndicate who were facilitating the journey.

Initial questioning revealed that all 273 individuals intended to reach Malaysia through illegal means with the assistance of brokers. The ISPR noted that the group had embarked on the dangerous sea voyage despite significant risks.

Following the operation, the detainees were handed over to Teknaf Police Station for further legal proceedings.

The ISPR stated that the navy’s swift and effective action prevented a potential humanitarian disaster at sea.