Soldier killed in gunfight between joint forces and human traffickers in Teknaf

The incident took place around 5 pm on Thursday (November 5) in the inaccessible hills of the Rangikhali area of Teknaf upazila. According to Army information, intelligence sources said that an armed human trafficking group of 15 to 16 people was holding about 120 Rohingya and Bengali citizens hostage in the deep hills of that area.

Based on this information, a joint operational team was formed comprising the Army's 10th Infantry Division, BGB and local police. When the joint forces reached the scene, the traffickers started firing indiscriminately and there was an exchange of fire between both sides. At that time, Titas Sheikh was seriously injured after being shot in the left shoulder. He was first taken to a nearby hospital and later to Ramu Combined Military Hospital (CMH), where the doctor on duty declared him dead.

During the operation, a pistol, a locally made gun and four rounds of ammunition were recovered from the scene. In addition, five members of the trafficking ring were arrested and 57 hostages were rescued.

The Army remembered the sacrifice of the young soldier with deep respect, prayed for the forgiveness of his soul and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.