Five people were rescued in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, while allegedly being prepared for trafficking to Malaysia by sea, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-15 said. An Android mobile phone was also seized from the scene. However, no members of the human trafficking gang could be arrested as they fled after sensing the presence of RAB personnel.

The five were rescued during an operation in the Madhyam Kachhapia area of Ward No. 8 under Baharchhara Union of Teknaf at around 1:30am on Monday night (September 7).

CPC-1 (Teknaf) of RAB-15 said a RAB team conducted the operation based on confidential information that an organized human trafficking gang had gathered several people in the Madhyam Kachhapia area to traffic them to Malaysia by sea.

When the RAB team reached an area near the road in front of Nurul Kabir’s residence, members of the trafficking gang sensed the presence of the law enforcement agency and fled.

Later, a search of the area led to the rescue of five people who had allegedly been gathered for trafficking. An Android mobile phone was also seized from the scene.

According to RAB’s preliminary investigation, the five were being prepared to be sent to Malaysia by boat via the sea route in exchange for financial benefits. RAB said they were allegedly intended to be subjected to forced labor and exploitation after being trafficked abroad.

The rescued individuals were identified as Sifat, Saiful Islam, Saeed and Shamim of Kakara Mini Bazar in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar, and Abdul Hamid of Godarbil in Teknaf Sadar upazila.

The information was disclosed in a press release signed by RAB-15 Assistant Superintendent of Police and Assistant Director (Law and Media) A.M. Faruk.

RAB said none of the suspected traffickers could be arrested as they fled during the operation. The five rescued individuals and the seized mobile phone were handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor Teknaf’s coastal areas and conduct operations to prevent human trafficking through the sea route. RAB said operations against human trafficking and organized crime would be further intensified.