A total of six Yaba traders have been killed while about 10 others have been shot in “gunfight” with law enforcement agencies in 30 days in Cox's Bazar.
However, some of the most wanted Yaba traders, including the three brothers of Cox's Bazar 4 lawmaker Abdur Rahman Badi, are still beyond reach.
Sources say, the home ministry, in affiliation with intelligence agencies, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police, has listed over 1,200 Yaba traders.
Dhaka Tribune came across the list that includes names of some big shots: Md Abdul Shukkur, Moulvi Mujibur Rahman, Abdul Amin – the brothers of MP Badi, and several others.
Names of the lawmaker's uncle Haider Ali, cousin Kamrul Islam, niece, an in-law Akhtar Kamal and some other relatives have also come up in this list.
The list also include names of a Mohammad Rashed, son of ex-Awami League lawmaker Mohammad Ali, Teknaf Jubo League secretary and former upazila chairman Nur Hossain, Teknaf Sadar Union ex-chairman Zafar Ahmed and Cox's Bazar Chhatra league Prseident Ali Ahmad.
The list was prepared after the Cox's Bazar visit of junior Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
District BGB Sector Commander Col Jgabdajar Farid Hassan said all of the 23 camps in border areas are cracking down on Yaba trade. “15 new camps will be established soon.”
Teknaf 42 BGB Adhinayak Lt Col Md Abuzar Al Zahid said troopers have tightened the watch through the whole of 54-kilometre border shared with Myanmar.
“No matter how big, all Yaba traders will be brought to book,” he said firmly.
Cox's Bazar police Additional Superintendent Tofail Ahmed said the anti-drug drive, “in accordance to the list prepared by the home ministry,” was now the top priority job.
Six Yaba traders were killed in “gunfight” in 30 days. Nur Mohammad was killed on March 20, Amin Majhi, Mohammad Kalu, Jahir Ahmmad on March 20 and Jahed Hossain and Farid Alam on April 27.
