Teknaf, Oct 5 (V7N) — The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has conducted a successful anti-human trafficking operation at Shahparir Dwip in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf upazila, arresting six members of an international trafficking network. The operation, carried out by the Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB) in the early hours of Saturday based on confidential intelligence, also uncovered evidence of foreign nationals being illegally sheltered in a private residence.

The detainees have been identified as house owner Shamsunnahar (35), Hosne Ara (31) of Ukhiya’s Balukhali Rohingya camp, Harun (35) of Ukhiya’s Jamtoli camp, Ismail (50) of Balukhali camp, Yusuf Ali (47), and Nurunnisa (49) — both residents of Teknaf’s Shalbagan Rohingya camp. According to BGB officials, the detainees have been handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for further legal action. Several others involved in the trafficking ring are reportedly on the run.

BGB sources said that during a pre-dawn raid on Shamsunnahar’s house in the Mistripara area of Sabrang Union, traffickers were caught harboring individuals illegally brought into Bangladesh from Myanmar. The traffickers were reportedly planning to transfer these individuals to various Rohingya camps. Two suspects managed to flee the scene, but six were arrested on the spot.

During primary interrogation, the detainees admitted to bringing people from Myanmar in exchange for large sums of money and helping them obtain FDMN (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals) registration cards. Shamsunnahar confessed to using her house as a safe shelter for these illegal migrants.

Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman, psc, Commanding Officer of the Teknaf Battalion, said, “This operation reflects BGB’s zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking. We remain firmly committed to ensuring border security and safeguarding national interests through continued and intensified operations.”

Local officials added that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the remaining members of the trafficking network. BGB has also strengthened surveillance along the Naf River and nearby border routes to curb illegal cross-border movement and trafficking activities.

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