The Bangladesh Navy has detained 273 people, including women and children, while they were attempting to travel illegally to Malaysia by sea. Most of those detained are believed to be Rohingya, officials said.

The interception took place early Sunday morning (January 4) in the Bay of Bengal, near the waters between Teknaf and Saint Martin’s Island in Cox’s Bazar. A naval patrol ship spotted the vessel during routine surveillance and moved in after finding it suspicious.

According to the Navy’s media wing, a search of the boat revealed a large number of passengers crammed on board, with no valid documents, allegedly preparing for an illegal sea journey towards Malaysia. The individuals were immediately taken under naval supervision to ensure their safety.

As reported by Dhaka Tribune, authorities are now investigating whether an organised human trafficking network was involved in arranging the journey. Initial findings suggest the migrants were attempting to leave Bangladesh through unsafe maritime routes, a practice that has claimed many lives in the past.

Naval sources said legal proceedings are underway, and further action will be taken following detailed questioning and verification of identities. The Navy reiterated its commitment to maintaining maritime security and preventing human trafficking through Bangladesh’s coastal waters.

BOB post