TEKNAF, February 21, (V7N) — The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued 55 people, including women and children, during a major anti-human trafficking operation in the coastal waters of Cox's Bazar. The coordinated raid, conducted late Thursday night (February 19), resulted in the interception of a Malaysia-bound vessel near the Baharchhara coast. Five alleged human traffickers were arrested during the drive, as authorities intensify their crackdown on maritime smuggling syndicates targeting vulnerable Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals.

The operation was a joint effort involving teams from the Coast Guard’s Teknaf Station and the Baharchhara and Shahporir Dwip outposts. Acting on a tip-off, officers intercepted a suspicious wooden boat around 10:00 pm. Despite a signal to stop, the vessel attempted to escape, prompting a high-speed chase. Upon securing the boat, search teams discovered the victims, many of whom had been lured from various parts of the country and refugee camps with promises of high-paying jobs and a better life in Malaysia.

Initial interrogations revealed that organized trafficking gangs are increasingly active in the region, exploiting the economic desperation of both locals and Rohingya refugees. Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq confirmed that the rescued individuals have been provided with emergency assistance and are currently in safe custody. Legal proceedings against the five detained brokers are underway, with the Coast Guard vowing to continue surveillance across the Bay of Bengal to dismantle the remaining networks of these trafficking syndicates.

This rescue comes amidst a period of heightened security in the region following the national elections and the recent inauguration of the new government. Human rights observers have noted that despite ongoing enforcement, trafficking attempts typically surge during the winter months when the sea is relatively calm. Authorities have urged coastal communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to help prevent further tragedies at sea.

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