65 Malaysia-bound victims rescued, 11 suspected traffickers detained: ISPR

The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 65 people who were allegedly being trafficked to Malaysia by sea and detained 11 suspected members of a human trafficking ring, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The rescue took place on Wednesday night during a routine patrol near Saint Martin’s, according to an ISPR statement issued Friday morning.

Navy ship BNS Khalid Bin Walid intercepted a wooden boat after fishing vessel FV Crystal-1 spotted it drifting about 81 nautical miles from Saint Martin’s Lighthouse. The fishing vessel approached after noticing that the boat’s engine had failed and later alerted the Navy over concerns about those on board.

Navy personnel rescued all 76 people from the boat, which was taking in water. They removed the water to prevent it from sinking and provided the rescued people with first aid, food and other humanitarian assistance.

During preliminary questioning, 11 of the 76 people were identified as suspected members of a human trafficking network and detained. The remaining 65 were identified as victims who had allegedly been lured with promises of passage to Malaysia.

According to the ISPR, most of the victims had allegedly been abducted by the trafficking ring and held captive at remote locations in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, before being transported by sea towards Malaysia.

The detained suspects and the seized boat are being handed over to Teknaf Police Station for further legal action, the ISPR said.

The Navy continues regular patrols and operations in Bangladesh’s maritime areas to combat human trafficking, smuggling and other illegal activities.