Bangladesh rescues Rohingya refugees from suspected trafficking boat
Authorities say traffickers promised jobs in Malaysia as dozens, including Rohingya refugees, were intercepted at sea
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Bangladeshi authorities rescued 50 people, including 11 Rohingya refugees, from a suspected human trafficking boat off country’s southeastern coast over weekend, highlighting continuing risks faced by displaced Rohingya refugees and impoverished migrants attempting dangerous sea journeys across Bay of Bengal.
Members of Bangladesh Coast Guard intercepted vessel near coastal area of Teknaf, close to border with Myanmar, after security personnel noticed what officials described as suspicious movement near Baharchhara area. Authorities said boat allegedly attempted to flee toward deeper waters after being ordered to stop before being intercepted following a chase.
Officials said nine people suspected of involvement in the trafficking network were detained during the operation.
Authorities believe rescued individuals were being transported illegally toward Malaysia through maritime routes frequently used by trafficking networks operating across the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.
Survivors told investigators that they were promised employment opportunities and better living conditions abroad before being moved through multiple locations and prepared for sea departure.
“We were told that we would find work and a better future. Instead, we were taken from place to place and lived in fear,” one rescued Rohingya refugee told authorities.
Another survivor said many passengers accepted offers because of desperation and lack of economic opportunities.
“Many of us were desperate for opportunities. We trusted promises, but journey became dangerous and uncertain,” survivor said.
Bangladesh hosts more than one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in neighboring Myanmar, with most living in overcrowded camps around Cox’s Bazar.
Limited access to formal employment, movement restrictions and declining humanitarian funding have increasingly pushed some refugees toward dangerous migration routes and made them vulnerable to trafficking networks.
Human trafficking by sea has remained recurring challenge in region for years, with smugglers often transporting refugees and migrants toward Malaysia, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian destinations using overcrowded fishing boats.
Rights groups have repeatedly warned that worsening humanitarian conditions and shrinking aid support increase risks of exploitation and irregular migration.
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