By Arakan Journal – September 26, 2026
Authorities say the group was allegedly being held by human traffickers in Cox’s Bazar before a planned sea crossing.
COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh – Authorities have rescued 17 Bangladeshi nationals who were allegedly being held by human traffickers before an attempted sea journey to Malaysia, local media reported.
The Special Armed Police Battalion (SARB) conducted a raid on September 25 at about 5:40 p.m. at a house belonging to Md. Ibrahim in the Lambori area, south of the Teknaf Police Station authority, following a tip-off, according to reports.
Authorities found all 17 people in a house, where they were waiting to depart by sea. The suspected human traffickers fled before police could arrest them.
The rescued people were identified as residents of Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban districts, according to the reports.
Police said preliminary investigations had provided leads about a suspected maritime human trafficking network. Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects.
Local reports also said that some Bangladeshis trying to travel to Malaysia by sea have sought to falsely identify themselves as Rohingya upon arrival to seek protection or asylum through the UN refugee system. This claim has not been independently verified.
The 17 rescued individuals were taken to Teknaf Model Police Station for further legal procedures, authorities said.
The incident highlights continuing concerns over dangerous maritime migration and human trafficking networks operating along Bangladesh’s southeastern coast.
Leave a Reply