Rohingya infiltration again, 72 detained including 3 brokers

Photo: TTN

Arakan Now | 29 April 2026

Authorities have detained 72 people, including 69 Myanmar nationals and three suspected human trafficking brokers, in two separate operations along the Teknaf border in Cox’s Bazar, officials from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) said, citing a report by TTN.

Teknaf-2 BGB commander Lieutenant Colonel Md. Hanifur Rahman confirmed the matter on Monday (April 27) afternoon, though he later declined to provide an official statement. However, multiple sources on the ground described details of the operations.

According to BGB sources, on Monday at around 4 pm, a raid was conducted near the Naf River in the Gafurer Gher area under Nazirpara BOP. Eleven Rohingyas—four women and seven children—were detained along with a hand-operated wooden boat believed to have been used to cross the border.

Earlier, on Sunday (April 26) at approximately 4:30 am, a special patrol team led by the battalion headquarters raided a suspected hideout in Maheshkhalia Para, detaining 58 Rohingyas, including five men, 20 women and 33 children. An auto-rickshaw allegedly used for transportation and two empty gas cylinders were also seized.

During the operations, three suspected brokers involved in human trafficking were arrested. Initial interrogation indicates they may be part of an organized network facilitating cross-border movement.

Sources involved in the investigation said brokers often collect large sums of money from Rohingya families or individuals. In many cases, those attempting the journey reportedly sell their assets and undertake the risky crossing in search of safety.