Bangladesh Navy detains 273 trying to reach Malaysia by sea

Ten suspected traffickers are also held

The Bangladesh Navy has detained 273 people while they were attempting to travel illegally to Malaysia by sea.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) disclosed the information in a press statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the navy carried out an operation late Saturday night in the sea adjacent to St Martin’s Island, detaining 273 individuals along with a wooden boat as they attempted to leave the country illegally by sea.

During initial questioning, all of the detainees said they were travelling to Malaysia through illegal means.

The ISPR said suspicious movement of a wooden boat was detected about 30 nautical miles southwest of St Martin’s Island by the Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Swadhinata.

The navy vessel immediately chased and intercepted the boat. During the operation, 10 members of a human trafficking syndicate were also detained along with the 273 people.

Based on information provided by the detainees, the ISPR said they had embarked on the journey by boat with the help of brokers to enter Malaysia illegally.

The detained individuals were later handed over to Teknaf Police Station.

The ISPR said the navy’s swift and effective action prevented a potential disaster.