BGB seizes two Malaysia voyages’ engine trawlers

Teknaf, Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) seized twoMalaysia voyages’ engine trawlers on November 13, while preparing to go to Malaysia by sea route from the Bay of Bengal nearby Shapuri Dip, said a fisherman, from Shapuri Dip who denied to be named.

“On information, a group of BGB led by Company commander Shahab Uddin of BGB out-posts of Shapuri Dip went to the spot, and seized two engine trawlers with some dried rations.”

“The BGB also arrested a small boy aged only 10 while the boat-people ran away from the coast.”

According to a boat people watch, about 100 boat-people came from Cox’s Bazar to board on the trawlers but they ran away after sensing the arrival of BGB personnel.

However, the BGB handed over the boat to the customs of Teknaf and filed a case against the owners of the engine trawlers. The two engine trawlers are worth about Taka 300,000, said BGB official.

Similarly, police personnel from Bahar Sara seized a trawler and rescued 60 boatpeople on October 30.

Although, the BGB, coastguard and police on the border area are trying to stop human trafficking from the Bay of Bengal, some of the traffickers tactfully send people to Malaysia with shaky small boats, said a trader from Teknaf on condition of anonymity.