A joint operation by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in the remote hills of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, has uncovered a human trafficking and abduction hub.

At least 80 people—including women, men, and children—were rescued. Authorities said they had been abducted or gathered for trafficking via sea routes to Malaysia. The traffickers resisted the raid, opening fire and hurling stones at the forces.

Lt. Col. Ashiqur Rahman confirmed the recovery of two locally made shotguns, one foreign pistol, and three rounds of ammunition. He added that human trafficking, kidnapping, and ransom extortion are on the rise in Teknaf, but law enforcement agencies remain vigilant.