Navy rescues 65 Malaysia-bound victims, detains 11 traffickers

Daily Sun Report, Chattogram

Published: 03 Oct 2026, 12:00 AM Updated: 03 Oct 2026, 09:11 AM

Navy rescues 65 Malaysia-bound victims, detains 11 traffickers

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The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 76 people from a distressed boat in the Bay of Bengal near St Martin’s Island, including 65 people allegedly being trafficked to Malaysia, and detained 11 suspected traffickers.
The fishing trawler FV Crystal-1 spotted the wooden boat with a disabled engine about 81 nautical miles off St Martin’s Lighthouse late Wednesday night. Its crew alerted the Navy after noticing suspicious activity among those on board, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release on Friday.
BNS Khalid Bin Walid, which was on routine patrol in the area, promptly reached the spot.
“Water had entered the vessel after its engine and pump failed, putting those on board at risk,” the ISPR said.
Navy personnel pumped out the water, stabilised the boat and rescued all 76 people on board. They were given first aid, food and other humanitarian assistance.

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Preliminary interrogation found that 11 of them were members of a human trafficking syndicate, while the remaining 65 were victims being taken to Malaysia.
According to the Navy, most of the victims had been abducted and held captive at remote locations in Teknaf before being taken to sea. The boat was allegedly used to transport passengers illegally.

The detained suspects and the seized boat are being handed over to Teknaf Police Station for legal action.
The Navy said the operation led to the arrest of syndicate members and averted a possible major accident and loss of life as the boat was taking in water.
It added that the operation was part of ongoing patrols and surveillance to protect Bangladesh’s maritime boundaries and prevent human trafficking, smuggling and other illegal activities at sea.