5 more abducted for ransom in Cox’s Bazar

Some unidentified assailants have abducted five more people for ransom in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf upazila.

The incident happened when the victims were collecting wood from the hilly area on the east side of Chakma Para under ward-5 at Baharchhara union in the upazila around 11am today (5 February), local union parishad member Humayun Kabir told The Business Standard.

The victims are Maruf Ullah, 18, Mohammad Kaif Ullah, 17, Mohammad Esa, 28, Yusuf Ullah, 30 and Md Abu, all hailing from Math Para and Bainna Para areas under Ward No-5 in Teknaf's Baharchhara.

Citing the family members of the victims, Humayun said, "A total of 15 people from Math Para and Bainna Para went to collect wood from the local hills when a group of assailants took them hostage at gunpoint."

"The assailants kept five people and released the other 10, who upon returning said they had been taken hostage during collecting wood. The abductors freed them so that they can collect ransom for the abductees. The returnees have informed their families about the matter," Humayun added.

Humayun further said he was in Cox's Bazar town during the incident and was informed about the matter via phone calls from the victim's families. "I have informed Baharchhara Police Investigation Centre about the matter."

Inspector (investigation) of Teknaf Model Police Station Himel Ray said he has been informed about the matter through local public representatives and media.

"However, the victims' families are yet to lodge complaints. Still, police are inquiring and drives are on to rescue the victims," the inspector said.

According to data from Cox's Bazar district police and victims' families, a total of 219 people have been abducted from various areas in the district over the last one year.

During this time, a total of 87 Rohingyas have also been abducted from refugee camps in Ukhia in the district.