DE News Desk :
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has rescued 14 Bangladeshi nationals from a human trafficking ring in the Uttar Lombori area of Teknaf Sadar union, Cox’s Bazar, during a late-night operation on Saturday.
According to BGB officials, the victims had been abducted from various parts of the country and were being held for ransom, with plans to traffic them by sea to Malaysia and Indonesia.
Lieutenant Colonel Md Ashikur Rahman, commanding officer of BGB’s 2 Battalion, said the group was being held by Md Saiful Islam, 39, identified as a key leader of the trafficking network.
The BGB team launched a rescue operation at approximately 11:30pm and located the victims in a secluded area.
“The traffickers confined them in a remote location after abducting them from Teknaf and Marine Drive at different times,” said Lt Col Ashikur.
“They were subjected to torture as the traffickers demanded ransom from their families.”
He added that ongoing drives are underway to apprehend the traffickers, and preparations are being made to hand the victims over to the appropriate authorities.
BGB sources also revealed that Saiful Islam had previously evaded capture during a separate anti-trafficking operation on April 24.
That operation targeted an attempt to bring people into Bangladesh by sea from Myanmar.
A case against him, involving charges of human trafficking and drug smuggling, was filed with Teknaf Police Station on the same day.
The rescue highlights the growing concern over human trafficking routes through coastal regions, prompting intensified surveillance and enforcement efforts by border forces.