Dhaka:Bangladesh Navy successfully rescued 76 individuals headed to Malaysia and arrested 11 suspected human traffickers from a boat in the Bay of Bengal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the rescue operation occurred late Wednesday night approximately 81 nautical miles off St Martin's Lighthouse during a routine patrol. The incident was reported by the fishing vessel FV Crystal-1, which spotted a wooden boat with a malfunctioning engine drifting at sea. The crew of the fishing vessel noticed suspicious behavior among those on board and promptly informed the Navy.
The BNS Khalid Bin Walid, patrolling in the St Martin's area, reached the scene quickly. The Navy reported that water had entered the vessel due to engine and pump failure, endangering those on board. Navy personnel managed to pump out the water, stabilize the boat, and rescue all 76 individuals.
First aid, food, and other humanitarian support were provided to the rescued individuals. Preliminary interrogations revealed that 11 of the rescued were members of a suspected human trafficking syndicate, while the remaining 65 were victims being transported to Malaysia. It was further disclosed that most victims had been abducted and held captive in remote locations in Teknaf before being taken to sea. The boat was allegedly used for illegal passenger transport.
The detained suspects and the seized boat are being handed over to Teknaf Police Station for legal proceedings. The Navy stated that the operation not only led to the arrest of the trafficking members but also prevented a potential major accident and loss of life since the boat was taking in water. This operation was part of ongoing efforts to patrol and protect Bangladesh's maritime boundaries, aiming to curb human trafficking, smuggling, and other illegal activities at sea.