TEKNAF, COX’S BAZAR: Myanmar Navy released the detainees with the ship on payment of Tk30-40 thousands per head as ransom on Wednesday afternoon.

Around 200 passengers out of 350 of the ship were identified as Bangladeshi nationals. The Myanmar Navy force seized the ship while they were being trafficked to Malaysia and Australia on Monday.

After taking the ransom, the Myanmar force provided some food, drinking water and cigars and pushed them to Thailand maritime area.

Bangladesh Boarder Guard (BGB) sources said Myanmar Navy freed the detainees because they were identified as Muslim and huge in number.

Earlier, the 350 people started their journey from Cox’s Bazaar between August 21 and 25 from Nuniarchhara of Teknaf, Shah Parir Dwip, Baharchara, Noapara, Saint Matins, Jaliapara, Kutupalong of Ukhia, Moheshkhali, Kutubdia, Chakaria and other places of the diostrict.

Local intelligence sources confirmed it to banglanews on Tuesday evening.

Intelligence agencies informed the whole matter to Bangladesh government through a report. But, the Cox’s Bazar district administration is unaware about the matter.

Sources said a number of people were held in Cox’s Bazaar while they were being trafficked to Malaysia, Thailand and Australia.

A syndicate of brokers is running the whole process of human trafficking by taking TK 30-40 thousands per head.

Recently police, BGB and Coast Guards arrested around 90 brokers and filed several cases in this connection to prevent human trafficking in seaway.

BDST: 1224 HRS, AUG 31, 2013
RM/AIA/RS/BSK- eic@banglanews24.com