Cox’s Bazar, April 27 (V7N)— Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) rescued 58 Rohingya men, women, and children during a raid on a homestead in Teknaf early Monday morning, while the Ukhia upazila administration carried out eviction drives against illegal structures in Kutupalong Bazar. Later that night, a young laborer was killed in a road accident in Ukhia, underscoring the district’s volatile mix of humanitarian, administrative, and safety challenges.  

According to a press release signed by Teknaf 2 BGB commander Lt. Col. Md. Hanifur Rahman, a patrol team raided a hideout in Maheshkhali Para around 4:30 am. The hideout, allegedly run by human traffickers, was located next to the residence of Mohammad Shakkur.  

Among the rescued were 5 men, 20 women, and 33 children, all residents of Rohingya camps in Ukhia-Teknaf. Three suspected traffickers were arrested, while an auto-rickshaw and two empty gas cylinders were seized. The arrested individuals were handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station after interrogation.  

Eviction Drive in Kutupalong Bazar

Later in the day, the Ukhia upazila administration launched a mobile court drive to remove illegal structures occupying footpaths in Kutupalong Rohingya Bazar. Led by Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Rifat Asma, the drive ran from morning until 3:30 pm.  

A total of Tk 55,000 in fines was collected in 11 cases. Of this, Tk 53,000 was imposed in 10 cases under UNO Asma’s leadership, while Assistant Commissioner (Land) Sharmin Sultana imposed Tk 2,000 in one case. Illegal shops and structures were dismantled, and encroachers were warned to keep footpaths clear for public movement. 

In a separate operation, hundreds of illegal shops and roadside structures were removed to ease long-standing traffic congestion in Kutupalong Bazar. The administration said traffic flow has already begun to improve.  

UNO Asma stressed that eviction drives alone cannot solve the problem: “A permanent solution requires regular supervision, improved traffic management, and coordinated efforts of all concerned.” Instructions were given to the market management committee and Rajapalong Union chairman to prevent re-encroachment, while law enforcement agencies were tasked with strengthening surveillance.  

Late Sunday night, a laborer named Mohammad Rabiul (22) was killed in a road accident in Kotbazar, Ukhia. Rabiul, the only son of Moktar Hossain of Maheshkhali’s Matarbari Union, was working on installing road dividers when a speeding pickup van struck him.  

He was critically injured and later died despite rescue efforts. The pickup fled the scene but was seized from Teknaf station by local residents. Ukhia Police Station OC Mujibur Rahman confirmed the body was sent to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for autopsy. Shahpuri Highway Police OC Saiful Islam said the vehicle was seized, though no formal complaint has yet been filed.  

The day’s events highlight the complex challenges facing Cox’s Bazar: human trafficking networks exploiting Rohingya refugees, urban congestion worsened by illegal structures, and road safety lapses leading to tragic fatalities. Authorities have pledged continued operations to protect vulnerable populations, restore public order, and enforce accountability.  

END/SIU/RH