4 abducted Teknaf farmers freed after ransom payment

Of the five farmers abducted in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf, four have been released after the payment of Tk1.2 lakh in ransom.

Families of the victims confirmed that the abductors released them on Saturday (March 23) night.

The farmers who were released are Rafiq, 22; Jihan, 13; Shaon, 15 and Abdur Rahman, 15. They are the residents of Hnila union parishad in the upazila.

However, the abductors are yet to release the other abductee, Mohammad Noor.

Seeking anonymity, father of an abductee said, “The abductors demanded more ransom. Later, they released four farmers after receiving a ransom of Tk1.2 lakh.”

Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Osman Gani said, “I am not aware of paying ransom. But police are constantly conducting drives to rescue the abductee. Four people were rescued during a drive conducted at night. They are now in police custody. Drive is underway to rescue another abductee.”

On March 21, abductors kidnapped five farmers from Pankhali area of Teknaf and demanded Tk30 lakh ransom for their release.