Law enforcers handed over three tourists to human traffickers in Ukhia upazila, Cox’s Bazar, what one of the rescued tourist alleged to the media.
However, two others remained missing. The rescued person was identified as Mohammad Faruk Hossain, 28, son of Abdur Razzak from Jessore.
The two others missing were Mokbul Hossain, son of Dr Rezaul Hossain, and Mohammad Rasel, son of Main Uddin – from Chaugacha upazila, Jessore.
Faruk, who was rescued with the help of locals, described the incident on how police allegedly handed him and his two other friends to traffickers.
The trio arrived in Cox’s Bazar on Friday, for the purpose of tour. Law enforcers of Inani police outpost, Ukhia upazila nabbed them on their way to Teknaf.
They were kept overnight at Inani police outpost and was later “sold” to human traffickers around 4pm on Saturday.
“We were about to be shipped to Malaysia. Our mobile phones were taken away when we tried to contact our families.”
The three friends were being transported in three separate vehicles. Faruk Hossain said to have managed to draw attention of locals and in the process was rescued.
When contacted on the basis of information from Faruk, businessmen of Ukhia’s Sonarpara endorsed the statements.
Faruk said he managed to evade the eyes of local police and call on the office of Police Superintendent of Cox’s Bazar on Sunday morning.
“I complained to Additional Police Superintendent Chhatradhar Tripura’s office.”
Additional SP Tripura said a youth had come to his office with complaints against police. “I have advised him to file in a written complaint.”
“But, the youth did not file a written complaint. Even then, actions will be taken after an investigation.”
Inani police outpost in-charge Sub Inspector Mohammad Sayeed Mia said he was on holiday on Saturday. “ASI Borhanuddin was my substitute. I do not know of this matter.”
ASI Borhanuddin said he was not aware of the incident.
Ukhia police Officer-in-Charge Zahedul Kabir said necessary actions will be taken after an investigation.
Meanwhile, Faruk said he was heading back to Jessore leaving behind an uncertain future for his two friends, according to his complaints.