LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Human trafficking from Cox's Bazar
Thursday, 18 September 2025
Cox's Bazar has become a regular route for human trafficking by sea in recent years, particularly after more than 1.4 million Rohingya took refuge there. With the sea remaining calm between the monsoon and winter, smuggling rings exploit this period to operate freely. At a meeting on 2 September, law enforcement agencies, lawyers, media workers, and NGO representatives at the Cox's Bazar Police Superintendent's Office rightly emphasised the need for advance preparations to prevent trafficking during the winter season. This is indeed essential.
Many Rohingya, desperate to escape their conditions in the camps, risk their lives to reach Malaysia in search of a better future. Women and girls are the most vulnerable. Alarmingly, traffickers are also luring Bangladeshi youths into taking this perilous route. Deaths in Thailand's jungles, torture by smugglers, and starvation at sea have repeatedly made headlines. According to reports, over 657 Rohingyas died on dangerous sea journeys in 2024 alone.
Human trafficking through Cox's Bazar negatively affects regional labour markets, particularly in Malaysia. Trafficking routes span 21 points across Teknaf, Ukhia, Maheshkhali, and Cox's Bazar Sadar. Although joint forces have rescued victims and arrested traffickers, the lack of specific information on which fishing trawlers are involved remains a serious challenge. Installing GPS systems on trawlers and bringing fishermen under an online database could be effective solutions.
Moreover, trafficking cases often stall as victims' families hesitate to file complaints, while lengthy trials, weak witness protection, and intimidation by criminals further undermine justice.
The government must adopt strong, coordinated measures to curb trafficking by sea, speeding up judicial processes, raising awareness among locals, and tightening surveillance. Only then can this dangerous trade be stopped.
Ashikujaman Syed
Business Development Manager
Tianjin Pharmacn Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
syedashikujaman@yahoo.com