A joint operation by the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Navy rescued 66 people, including women and children, from a human traffickers’ hideout in the remote hills of Baharchhara in Teknaf on Thursday evening.

Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque confirmed the matter Friday morning, saying the four-hour raid was launched following intelligence that a large group was being held captive for trafficking by sea to Malaysia.

From 6pm to 10pm on September 18, the joint forces uncovered a traffickers’ den atop a hill where the victims were detained. All 66 were rescued safely.

During preliminary questioning, the victims revealed that organised syndicates had lured them with promises of lucrative jobs, better living conditions, and overseas opportunities requiring little or no upfront payment. Instead, they were confined in secret hideouts in Teknaf before planned transport by boat via the coastal Marine Drive route.

Several victims alleged that traffickers tortured them and demanded ransom while in captivity.

Officials said the traffickers managed to escape sensing the presence of security forces. No arrests were made during the operation, but surveillance and follow-up raids are underway to apprehend those involved.

“The joint forces will continue intelligence-led operations to dismantle human trafficking networks and protect vulnerable people,” Siam-ul-Haque said.