Teknaf:An army soldier was killed in a gunfight between joint forces and an armed human trafficking gang in the deep hills of Teknaf upazila in Cox's Bazar on Thursday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Soldier Md. Titas Sheikh, 27, of the Bangladesh Army.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the incident occurred when joint forces comprising the Army's 10 Infantry Division, BGB, and local police acted on intelligence reports. These reports indicated that 15 to 16 armed traffickers were holding nearly 120 Rohingya and Bangladeshi citizens hostage in the Rongkhali area, prompting a raid around 500 pm.
Upon sensing the presence of security forces, the traffickers opened indiscriminate fire, resulting in a heavy gunfight. Soldier Titas sustained a gunshot wound to his left shoulder and suffered excessive bleeding. Despite being rescued and given first aid, he succumbed to his injuries at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Ramu.
During the operation, joint forces successfully rescued 57 hostages and detained five human traffickers. Additionally, they recovered one pistol, a country-made gun, and four rounds of ammunition from the scene. The Bangladesh Army expressed deep respect for the young soldier's supreme sacrifice and extended heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members.