Nine abducted at gunpoint in Bandarban’s Lama
BANDARBAN CORRESPONDENT
At least nine people, including two tobacco farmers and seven farm workers, were abducted at gunpoint from a remote area of Lama upazila in Bandarban early Monday.
The incident took place around 1:00am in the Lemupalong area of Sroi Union, said police and local sources.
The abducted farmers have been identified as Md Amin (37) and Md Bhuttu (31). The identities of the remaining seven workers are yet to be confirmed.
Locals said a group of armed men stormed the farmers’ houses and demanded a large sum of money. When the demand was not met, they abducted all nine people. Family members said the abductors are now demanding ransom for their release.
Md Atikur Rahman, in-charge of Sroi police outpost, confirmed the abduction and said a joint operation by police and army personnel has been launched to rescue the victims.
Lama Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tofazzal Hossain said the law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts to recover the abducted individuals safely.
The incident follows a string of similar abductions in the region. On January 14, seven tobacco workers were abducted from Bomukhal. On February 2, seven others were taken from Komola Bagan in Gajalia Union.
On January 27, locals detained an armed suspect, Mongenu Marma (34), in Sroi Union during an alleged extortion attempt. And on February 16, 26 rubber plantation workers were kidnapped at gunpoint in Fasiakhali Union and later released following ransom payments.
Local farmers and residents say they are living in fear amid rising extortion and abduction attempts in the area and are urging authorities to ensure their security.
