A family in Kanjorpara, under Hwaikyong Union of Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar, has alleged that 12-year-old Md Sadeq was kidnapped and released after a ransom payment. Family sources said Sadeq, son of Kanjorpara resident Abdus Sattar, went missing from the area at about 1 pm on Monday, August 3. The alleged kidnappers later contacted the family and demanded money for his release.

Local sources said the kidnappers initially sought Tk140,000 before the family was compelled to pay Tk50,000 following prolonged bargaining. The family said the money was sent to a bKash number, 01868-055022. Sadeq’s elder brother, Irfan Uddin, said unknown people called the family, asked them to save an Imo number, and later sent an audio recording through Imo saying the child had been abducted.

Irfan Uddin said the child was released shortly after the payment was sent. The incident has caused concern among local residents, who called for the perpetrators to be identified and brought under the law and for effective measures to stop kidnappings in Teknaf. Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam said the family had not informed police about the alleged abduction.