Local people loot Malaysia bound trawler

Teknaf, Bangladesh: A Malaysia bound trawler loading with 60 to 70 passengers was looted by local villagers on January 18 in the early morning while berthing at the seashore of Shamlapur under Teknafupazila, said local fisherman from Shamla pur. 

“A trawler with 60 to70 boatpeople was going to Malaysia from Cox’s Bazar on December 17, at midnight. On information, the engine trawler was chased by Bangladesh Coast Guards with a speed boat, but they were not unable to seize it as the waves of the coast were very rough.”

However, the Maji (driver) of the trawler reached to the shore of Shamla Pur (village) under the Barsara Union of Teknaf upazila. Later, all the voyagers immediately ran away for fear of police or BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) leaving their boat, rations and other goods, said a local elder from Shamlapur.  

“Knowing this event, early morning, a group villager numbering 20 to 30 led by Dacoit (Robber) Nazir Ahmed and Korim Mazi went to the spot and looted the goods from the boat. They took away the engine of the boat, 2,000 liters of fuel, brown slab-sugar, gluten rice flakes and other goods worth about 500,000.”

The dacoit Nazir Ahmed arrested 10 boatpeopleand kept in a secret place where he asked them to pay Kyat 20,000 per head for release. The all arrestees are Rohingya people. Nazir Ahmed is well-known in the area for his notorious deeds, said a fisherman from Shapuri Dip who denied to be named. 

“Being informed, on January 18, in the evening, a group police from Shamla Pur went to the spot and seized the empty boat. Most of the voyagers are Rohingya people and some are Bangladeshi.”

Masrul, police officer of Shamla Pur police station under the Teknaf upazila confirmed the event.