The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 214 Rohingya refugees while they were being trafficked by sea to Malaysia, intercepting the vessel off the coast of Saint Martin.
The Bangladesh Navy successfully intercepted a fishing trawler in the Bay of Bengal late Monday night, rescuing 214 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. The individuals, including 118 men, 68 women, and 28 children, had fled the camps in Cox’s Bazar and boarded the boat with the intention of reaching Malaysia.
The Navy’s ship, ‘Bonavza Durjoy,’ spotted suspicious movements from a fishing trawler, FV Kulsumah, about 44 nautical miles southwest of Saint Martin. Upon inspection, the Navy discovered the Rohingya passengers, all of whom were displaced citizens of Myanmar. The trawler had left Teknaf’s Shaplapur area for Malaysia earlier that night.
The boat was found to be severely lacking in safety equipment, food, and water, posing a serious humanitarian risk. Thanks to the swift action of the Navy, a potential disaster was averted. The rescued individuals, along with the trawler, were handed over to the Bangladesh Coast Guard at the Saint Martin station.
Liberty News’ local correspondent states that this timely intervention highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking in the region, with desperate Rohingya refugees often attempting perilous sea journeys in search of a better life.
LND/BG
