Saint Martin's:The Bangladesh Navy has successfully rescued 65 individuals from a wooden boat being used to transport them illegally to Malaysia, and detained 11 suspected human traffickers.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the operation took place on Wednesday night during a routine patrol near Saint Martin's Island. The BNS Khalid Bin Walid intercepted the distressed vessel after being alerted by the fishing vessel FV Crystal-1, which had spotted it adrift approximately 81 nautical miles from Saint Martin's Lighthouse.
The fishing crew approached the boat due to its engine failure and, upon suspicion of its occupants, notified the Navy. Navy personnel then arrived at the location, rescuing all 76 individuals. To prevent the boat from sinking, they removed water that was entering the vessel and provided first aid, food, and other humanitarian assistance to those on board.
Upon preliminary investigation, 11 of those rescued were identified as members of a human trafficking ring and were detained. The remaining 65 were identified as victims who had reportedly been enticed with promises of passage to Malaysia. Many of these victims were allegedly abducted and held in remote areas of Teknaf in Cox's Bazar before being put on the boat.
The suspects and the boat have been handed over to Teknaf Police Station for further legal proceedings. The Bangladesh Navy remains committed to securing the country's maritime borders, actively conducting patrols to combat human trafficking, smuggling, and other illegal maritime activities.