Police on Wednesday rescued 20 individuals, who were being trafficked to Malaysia via sea, from Teknaf upazila in Cox's Bazar.
Among the rescued, 12 were Rohingya refugees, and eight were Bangladeshi citizens, confirmed Muhammad Gias Uddin, officer-in-charge of Teknaf Model Police Station.
The rescue operation, which took place in the South Lombari area of Sadar union in Teknaf, also led to the arrest of three suspected human traffickers: Luna Begum, Md Ridwan, and Md Abdullah. The traffickers had reportedly gathered the victims at a residence in preparation for their illegal journey.
According to the OC, the police were tipped off that a group, including several Rohingyas, had assembled for human trafficking. When officers raided the location, several suspects attempted to flee, but three were arrested, and the victims were successfully rescued.
OC Gias Uddin explained that trafficking rings often become more active during periods of calm seas, enticing vulnerable people with promises of illegal migration to Malaysia in exchange for large sums of money.
The rescued individuals have been returned to their families, while police are continuing their efforts to dismantle the trafficking network and are taking legal action against those arrested.
