ISPR Press Release
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Exchange of Fire with Criminals During a Joint Operation Against a Human Trafficking Ring in Teknaf: Army Soldier Killed
Dhaka, 05 November 2026 (Thursday): Intelligence sources indicated that an armed human trafficking group, consisting of 15–16 individuals, was holding approximately 120 Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals hostage in the remote, hilly terrain of Rangikhali, located in the Teknaf Upazila of Cox’s Bazar. Acting on this information, a joint task force—comprising personnel from the Bangladesh Army’s 10th Infantry Division, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the local police—arrived at the scene at approximately 5:00 PM. Upon detecting the presence of the joint forces, the armed traffickers opened indiscriminate fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the two sides.
During the exchange, Bangladesh Army soldier Md. Titas Sheikh (27) sustained a critical gunshot wound to his left shoulder, resulting in severe blood loss. He was immediately rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for initial treatment; he was subsequently transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Ramu for advanced medical care, where the attending physician declared him dead.
During the operation, one pistol, one locally-made firearm, and four rounds of ammunition were recovered from the site. Additionally, five members of the human trafficking ring were apprehended, and 57 hostages were rescued.
The Bangladesh Army remembers with profound respect the sacrifice of this young soldier, who laid down his life while serving the nation. The Bangladesh Army prays for the eternal peace of his departed soul and extends its deepest condolences to his bereaved family.