Sarwar Azam Manik, Cox's Bazar
More than a hundred families have abandoned their homes in the hillfringe areas of Teknaf's Baharchhara Union following a surge in kidnappings, ransom demands and gunfights. Residents no longer spend nights in their homes, seeking shelter elsewhere after sunset. The latest incident occurred on 17 July, when 12-year-old Arafat was allegedly kidnapped while bringing home buffaloes in North Nayapara. His family claimed abductors demanded Tk 1.2 million in ransom before releasing him after receiving Tk 400,000. Earlier, on 28 June, village doctor Kamal Uddin was abducted at gunpoint from Noakhali Jumma Para. A resident described how Drug spreads in Dinajpur’s Baluadanga; residents seek police intervention gunfire erupted around her home that night, forcing her to flee with her daughter. Local residents claim around 10,000 people live in the affected hill-fringe areas. According to local public representatives and police, at least 320 people have been kidnapped from Teknaf's hill-fringe areas over the past three years, including 155 people abducted in 15 incidents during the past year alone— 96 of whom were Rohingyas. Several armed groups comprising Rohingya and local individuals are reportedly involved. Sources claim groups previously engaged in human trafficking have shifted to kidnapping for ransom, gathering information about victims' financial status and overseas relatives before carrying out planned abductions. Local youth drowns in Cox's Bazar sea despite lifeguard rescue effort Several violent incidents have occurred alongside the kidnappings this year, including a fatal shooting and the discovery of dismembered bodies. Following the growing crisis, a special law and order committee meeting was held on 4 July with senior district and upazila officials. Authorities decided to establish police outposts in kidnapping-prone areas and launch special joint operations. Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan said law enforcement agencies have been instructed to strengthen patrols. Teknaf UNO SM Anik Chowdhury said a large-scale joint operation is being planned, with potential locations for police outposts already inspected. Cox's Bazar Superintendent of Police Sajedur Rahman said continuous rainfall had delayed operations, but they would begin soon. Teknaf's police OC confirmed a mobile team has already been deployed in the Baharchhara area. MP Shahjahan Chowdhury said all law enforcement agencies would work together to make Teknaf free from crime. Baharchhara Union Chairman Amjad Hossain Khokon warned that without quick joint operations, the situation
