By Arakan Journal – September 14, 2026
TEKNAF, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh — September 14, 2026 — Police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have dismantled 20 alleged human-trafficking hideouts in Teknaf and rescued a 16-year-old boy who was allegedly abducted for trafficking, according to police.
Two suspected traffickers were arrested during a joint operation, Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Saiful Islam said on September 14.
The suspects were identified as Touhidul Alam, 22, and Abu Sadeque, 25, police said.
The rescued teenager, Shahriyar Noman Naim, was allegedly lured and abducted from Dulahazar Union in Chakaria on September 12 and taken to an alleged trafficking hideout in the Rajarchara area of Teknaf.
Acting on information about the incident, a police team conducted a raid in the area and rescued Naim. Touhidul Alam and Abu Sadeque were arrested at the scene, according to the OC.
20 alleged hideouts dismantled
Following the rescue operation, police said they obtained information from the rescued teenager and through interrogation of the two suspects that helped identify several alleged trafficking hideouts in Rajarchara and surrounding hilly areas.
Police and Teknaf-2 BGB subsequently conducted a joint operation in the area from 4 pm to 7 pm on September 13, during which they dismantled 20 alleged human-trafficking hideouts, according to police.
The operation highlights continuing concerns over human trafficking networks operating in border and coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar, particularly in and around Teknaf.
“Human traffickers are becoming active again,” OC Md Saiful Islam said, according to The Business Standard. He added that authorities had arrested two suspected traffickers and rescued an abducted boy during the joint operation.
Police said intelligence surveillance and operations would be strengthened in border and coastal areas to prevent human trafficking and protect vulnerable people from being exploited by trafficking networks.
Continued vigilance needed
Teknaf’s location along Bangladesh’s southeastern border and its proximity to the coast have made the area a longstanding concern for authorities attempting to prevent trafficking and other forms of cross-border criminal activity.
The rescue of the teenager underscores the importance of rapid intervention when reports of abduction or trafficking emerge. Authorities say strengthened intelligence gathering, border surveillance and coordinated operations between law-enforcement agencies will remain important in combating trafficking networks.
The identities and alleged roles of the arrested individuals remain subject to the ongoing legal process. Allegations of human trafficking are matters for investigation and judicial determination.
Source: The Business Standard, September 14, 2026.
Arakan Journal has rewritten and edited the report for publication based on information provided by The Business Standard. Allegations attributed to the police are presented as allegations and have not been independently verified by Arakan Journal.
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