Teknaf, Aug 19 (V7N) — The Teknaf Association in Chattogram has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, seeking urgent state action to curb abductions, ransom demands, drug smuggling and human trafficking in Teknaf and Ukhia upazilas of Cox’s Bazar.
The memorandum was submitted through the Chattogram Divisional Commissioner on Monday (August 17), urging immediate implementation of five key demands to restore security in the vulnerable border region.
The association said Teknaf and Ukhia have become among the country’s most high-risk border areas due to prolonged incidents of abduction, ransom collection, drug trafficking, human trafficking, armed criminal activities and other organised crimes linked to the border.
According to the memorandum, ordinary people—including women, children, students, farmers, businesspeople and workers—are increasingly facing insecurity. It said many families have been forced to pay ransoms to secure the release of abducted relatives, while others have received the bodies of their loved ones.
The association also expressed concern over drug and human trafficking through the border, armed criminal activities in remote hill areas, ransom-related killings and the recovery of bodies from the hills. It said although law enforcement agencies conduct periodic operations, a permanent and effective solution has yet to be achieved.
The five demands include declaring Teknaf and Ukhia special crime-prone areas and establishing a permanent, coordinated security system; conducting regular targeted joint operations involving the Army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard and police against abduction, drug trafficking, human trafficking and armed criminal groups; and ensuring 24-hour surveillance of remote hills, border areas, the Naf River and sea routes.
The association also called for the deployment of modern surveillance technologies, including drones, night-vision equipment and CCTV cameras, as well as the establishment of permanent security posts and military camps where necessary.
It further demanded expedited investigations, charge sheets and trials in cases involving abduction, ransom collection, drug trafficking and human trafficking. It proposed establishing special courts or tribunals to ensure swift justice and exemplary punishment.
The memorandum also called for stronger coordination and accountability among all relevant agencies responsible for combating cross-border crimes.
Those present during the submission included Teknaf Association President Mukhtar Ahmad, Vice-President Advocate Rafiqul Alam, General Secretary Rafiqullah, Joint General Secretary Khalilur Rahman, Treasurer Shamsul Islam, Rakhine Welfare Association Central Committee President Mong Hla Sing, CIP A.M. Ziaul, poet Ali Proyas and engineer Nurul Absar, among others.
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