Cox’s Bazar, Mar 23 (V7N) – The body of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) member Mohammad Belal has been recovered 30 hours after he went missing when a boat capsized while attempting to re-enter from Myanmar through the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.

Abdul Mannan, a local representative of Sabrang Union’s Ward No. 7, confirmed that the body was found at 12:15 PM on Sunday (March 23) at Shahparirdwip Paschim Para Beach Point. Belal had been stationed as a constable at the Shahparirdwip border outpost.

Although reports suggested that Belal was carrying a Chinese rifle and four loaded magazines at the time of his disappearance, authorities have yet to confirm whether these firearms were recovered alongside his body.

The BGB, Coast Guard, and local fishermen launched an extensive rescue operation following the capsizing of a trawler carrying Rohingya refugees near Shahparirdwip on Friday midnight (March 21). Despite their relentless efforts, Belal remained missing until his body was spotted floating in the sea on Sunday morning.

Upon discovery, Coast Guard and BGB personnel retrieved the body and transported it to shore at 12:15 PM. It was then taken away in a BGB vehicle for further procedures.

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Ashiqur Rahman, Commander of Teknaf 2 Battalion, confirmed the body was recovered and sent to the Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy.

Meanwhile, the rescue mission has successfully saved 25 Rohingya refugees from the capsized trawler. However, several others remain missing as search operations continue.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the boat capsize, and efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of those still unaccounted for.

END/MSS/AJ