Armed robbers allegedly blocked a passenger bus by felling a tree across the Teknaf-Cox’s Bazar highway and looted Tk 5.7 million from two bKash sales representatives (SRs) in Teknaf. One of the representatives was stabbed after attempting to resist the attackers.

The incident took place at around 1:40 pm on Sunday (August 2) near Bridge No. 14 in the Dumdumia area of Teknaf Upazila.

The injured victim, Md. Al Arman (26), is a resident of Jaliapara in Teknaf Municipality. He was rescued by locals and admitted to Teknaf Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

According to local sources, three bKash sales representatives were travelling on a Palki Paribahan passenger bus from Teknaf Bus Terminal to deliver cash to agents in the Hnila and Hnila? (Actually Hwaikyang) areas. When the bus reached the area about one kilometre south of the Dumdumia Border Outpost (BOP), a group of 15 to 20 armed assailants felled a tree across the highway, forcing the bus to stop.

The attackers then boarded the bus and snatched bags containing cash from two of the bKash representatives. When Al Arman tried to resist, he was stabbed, sustaining injuries to his upper right arm. Witnesses said the robbers also fired two blank shots to create panic among the passengers.

Abdur Karim, a bKash agent owner, said the robbers escaped with approximately Tk 5.7 million, fleeing into the nearby hilly area east of the highway.

After the bus reached the Dumdumia checkpoint, the incident was reported to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Police, BGB, and the Bangladesh Coast Guard later launched a joint operation in the area.

Confirming the incident, Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Saiful Islam said the robbers had deliberately blocked the highway by felling a tree, stabbed one person, and looted Tk 5.7 million. He added that police have inspected the scene and that efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved, as well as recover the stolen money.