Armed robbers looted valuables worth about Tk 1.8 million after holding a family hostage in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar early Tuesday. The incident occurred at the residence of Professor Abu Taher Sikder in Majherpara area of Laksharchar Union. According to his son Kamrul Ahsan, five to six masked men entered the house around 3:30 a.m., tied him up, and held his mother and wife at gunpoint before taking gold ornaments, cash, and a mobile phone.

Kamrul Ahsan said he reported the incident to the national emergency helpline 999 at around 6 a.m., after which a police team arrived at 8 a.m. to question the family. Later, police asked him to visit the station for further inquiry. Chakaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Monir Hossain confirmed that a team had visited the scene and that an investigation was underway.

Police said legal action would follow based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.