Unstoppable human trafficking in Cox's Bazar, Rohingyas targeted

Human trafficking along the coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar has intensified during the dry season, despite efforts by law enforcement. 

Trafficking rings are exploiting the 33 Rohingya camps in Ukhia-Teknaf and preying on impoverished individuals across the country, offering false promises of reaching Malaysia or other countries at low costs and without visas.

Victims, primarily Rohingyas and destitute Bangladeshis, are gathered along the coastline and sent to sea on trawlers. If a trawler successfully reaches Myanmar or Thailand, the victims are handed over to regional trafficking rings, where hefty ransoms are extorted from their families. Many families are pushed into extreme poverty as a result.

In the last two months alone, at least 200 people have been rescued by law enforcement agencies in Teknaf-Ukhia.

On December 14, police rescued 30 Rohingyas from a homestead in Dakshin Lambari, Teknaf, where they were being held to be trafficked to Malaysia. Among the victims were 15 men, 3 women, 7 boys, and 5 girls. Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Muhammad Gias Uddin stated that the traffickers fled upon sensing police presence.

On November 17, RAB rescued 31 people, including 27 Rohingyas and 4 Bangladeshis, from the Baharchara Kachchhapiya hills in Teknaf. Two traffickers—Md Anwar, 44, and Atiqur Rahman, 32,—were arrested.

On November 4, 12 Rohingyas were rescued in Teknaf’s tourist market area, and four brokers were arrested.

On October 14, 26 Rohingyas were found at Inani Beach after being deceived and left at sea for 10 days. Traffickers had misled victims into believing they had arrived in Malaysia. Ukhia Police Station OC Mohammad Arif Hossain said most escaped after landing, but those caught were sent back to the Kutupalong camp.

Cross-border trafficking intensifies

Sources reveal that traffickers are smuggling Rohingyas from Myanmar into Bangladesh, charging each person 15,000 taka. On October 9, 37 Rohingyas, including women and children, were arrested from Jahazpura, Baharchhara Union, after crossing into Bangladesh via trawler from Maungdaw, Myanmar.

Trafficking hotspots include Ukhia-Teknaf, Maheshkhali, Kutubdia, Chaufaldandi, Eidgaon, and Pokkhali, where brokers gather victims under false promises.

Experts call for action

HM Nazrul Islam, focal person at Winrock International, emphasized that human trafficking is the most profitable illegal trade globally, surpassing even arms and drugs. “Trafficking is a crime against individuals, but proving such cases is difficult, allowing traffickers to escape justice,” he said.

He noted that while trafficking previously targeted the extremely poor, now educated individuals are also victimised. 

For instance, 40 IT engineers were lured to Cambodia and forced into fraudulent activities before being rescued.

Muhammad Russell, Additional Police Superintendent of Ukhia-Teknaf Circle, labelled Cox’s Bazar a "fertile ground for trafficking", noting that criminal activity surges during the dry season when seas are calm. “Criminals cannot be stopped solely through punishment; a change in mindset is crucial,” he added.

Raising awareness and coordination

Fahmida Begum, Deputy Director of the Islamic Foundation Cox’s Bazar, suggested utilizing mosques to raise awareness. “Imams can play a vital role in educating communities about the dangers of human trafficking,” she said.

Muhammad Shah Alam, coordinator of Winrock International’s Human Trafficking Prevention Project, highlighted efforts at the grassroots level, including school programs, community meetings, and activities by youth-led organizations like Anirban, which is composed of survivors of trafficking.

Abu Morshed Chowdhury Khoka, President of the Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed addressing poverty and unemployment. “Failure to convert the population into skilled manpower makes people vulnerable to trafficking. Coordinated efforts from government departments can mitigate the crisis.”

State machinery vs traffickers

Cox’s Bazar Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammad Mizanur Rahman acknowledged that while state efforts are ongoing, traffickers remain relentless. “Traffickers are actively targeting the Rohingya camps. We are working to disseminate anti-trafficking messages to raise awareness among camp residents.”