Two Rohingya fish traders abducted in Teknaf rescued, 3 arrested
The duo was abducted at gunpoint yesterday
Two abducted Rohingya fish traders were rescued this morning (26 November) following a joint effort by police and locals in Teknaf Upazila of Cox's Bazar.
Three members of the criminal gang were also arrested during a raid in the hilly area near Lengurbeel Mathpara under Teknaf Sadar union at around 11am, said Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Muhammad Gias Uddin.
The rescued individuals are Mohammad Shamsu, from Balukhali refugee camp No 8, and Anisul Alam, from Balukhali Camp No 11. They were abducted from a road in the same area at around 11am yesterday (25 November).
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The three arrestees were also identified as Mohammad Saiful of Teknaf municipality's Islamabad area, and Lengurbeel Mathpara area's Marium Begum, 50, wife of Md Kabir, and Nasima Aktar, 30, wife of Md Rabiul, confirmed police.
According to Shamsu and Anisul, they had travelled from Balukhali to Teknaf to buy fish yesterday morning. After failing to find any in the Teknaf Bazaar, they hired an autorickshaw to travel to Baharchara Union's Shamlapur. On their way, they were intercepted by their abductors, who then at gunpoint took them to a hill after robbing them of their money.
Teknaf Sadar Union Chairman Ziaur Rahman said, "A local resident recorded a video of the abduction on their phone, which helped identify some of the suspects including Mojib Ullah and Shawkat Ullah, Md Shahid, Md Hashim, and Md Noyon."
"The local community coordinated with the police to rescue the victims successfully. I urge everyone to remain united against such abduction and criminal activities in Teknaf," he added.
Commending the locals for their help, Teknaf police OC Gias said a case was being filed over the abduction. "Efforts are ongoing to arrest the other suspects."
According to Cox's Bazar district police and locals, at least 140 people were abducted, including Shamsu and Anisul, from different areas of Teknaf in the past year. Among the victims, 83 were local residents and 56 were Rohingya refugees.
Families of at least 69 victims claimed to have paid ransoms for their release.
Since 18 August, 2024, Teknaf Police Station has recorded 12 abduction cases involving 50 accused. So far, 20 suspects have been arrested in these cases.
