Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have rescued 17 people, including an accused in a murder case, during a raid on an attempted human trafficking operation via sea in the Rajarchhara area of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.

The incident was confirmed on Sunday (December 28) morning by Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman, commanding officer of BGB’s Teknaf-2 Battalion.

According to BGB, an organised trafficking gang was preparing to smuggle the victims to Malaysia by sea, luring them with promises of a better life, good jobs, and low-cost overseas travel.

Acting on intelligence, the Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB) conducted an operation at around 1:15 a.m. on December 26 in the Rajarchhara area adjacent to the Marine Drive. During the raid, the traffickers managed to flee under the cover of darkness, but BGB personnel rescued seven men, four women, and seven children from a boat, all unharmed.

During verification of the rescued individuals, one person — identified as Mohammad Tarek (20) — was found to be an accused in a murder case. He is a resident of Whykong Union in Teknaf Upazila.

Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman said BGB will continue its zero-tolerance policy against human trafficking and carry out strict operations to curb such crimes in border areas. He added that, following necessary procedures, the rescued victims would be handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station.