Dhaka – Bangladesh Navy forces intercepted a wooden trawler carrying 273 individuals attempting an illegal voyage to Malaysia on January 3, 2026. The operation took place 30 nautical miles southwest of Saint Martin’s Island. Authorities detained 10 suspected traffickers among the group, which included women and children. The vessel lacked essential safety equipment, food, and water.
This high-profile bust demonstrates the Navy’s strengthened grip on Bangladesh’s sensitive southern coastline. Escalating conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State continues to spill over, threatening maritime security and prompting coordinated regional efforts to curb cross-border crimes.
Saint Martin’s Island Security: Continuous Naval Presence
Bangladesh Navy maintains a permanent presence around Saint Martin’s Island. Warships remain anchored offshore with round-the-clock radar surveillance. Two forward operating bases and three contingents support operations in the Cox’s Bazar district.
A senior Navy officer stated: “The Navy remains on guard around Saint Martin’s Island at all times. Any threat or untoward incident is immediately addressed by the Navy.”
The island, Bangladesh’s only coral reef, covers 8 square kilometres in the north-eastern Bay of Bengal. It lies within Bangladesh’s territorial sea (12 nautical miles), contiguous zone (24 nautical miles), and exclusive economic zone (200 nautical miles).
Bangladesh Navy Security: Extensive Anti-Trafficking Operations
Bangladesh Navy security efforts involve close coordination with Border Guard Bangladesh and the Coast Guard. Patrols cover the waters from Teknaf to Saint Martin’s Island.
Since February 2025, forces have conducted 70 special operations in the Teknaf area. These include 34 unilateral missions and 36 joint operations. Seizures include 145,572 yaba tablets, crystal methamphetamine, cannabis, 600 litres of illicit liquor, 25,000 litres of raw alcohol materials, 31 locally made firearms, eight foreign pistols, 10 grenades, and assorted ammunition.
Over 200 trafficking victims have been rescued, while 28 suspects have been arrested in Operation Devil Hunt.
A senior Navy official explained: “There is a thin maritime line between Myanmar and Bangladesh at a point of the Naaf River beside Teknaf. Sometimes fishermen cross that line and enter Myanmar’s water boundary, which is why incidents of abduction of fishermen occur.”
He added: “We are raising awareness among our fishermen so that they do not cross the maritime boundary, but sometimes fishermen do make mistakes. There is no way that any other country will abduct our citizens from our water boundary.”
Myanmar Border Tensions: Spillover Effects
Myanmar border tensions arise from ongoing fighting in Rakhine State. The Arakan Army has expanded control against Myanmar junta forces and certain Rohingya armed groups.
Stray gunfire and abductions have targeted Bangladeshi fishermen. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) noted that Myanmar Navy vessels position themselves near the boundary for operations against the Arakan Army.
ISPR stated: “As Myanmar’s internal conflict is going on near St. Martin’s, rumours are being spread by different vested quarters on social media about the security of St. Martin’s. All are requested not to be misled by such rumours.”
Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard maintain continuous patrols to monitor cross-border movements.
Human Trafficking Teknaf: Recent Interception Details
Human trafficking Teknaf remains a persistent challenge due to organised networks operating along the border. On January 3, 2026, BNS Swadhinata intercepted the suspicious trawler following intelligence inputs.
The vessel’s erratic behaviour prompted pursuit and detention of all individuals on board. Preliminary interrogation confirmed the group intended to travel illegally to Malaysia through a human trafficking network.
The trawler carried no life-saving equipment. All detainees were handed over to Teknaf police.
Such dangerous sea journeys frequently result in humanitarian crises when vessels encounter rough weather.
Background
Saint Martin’s Island holds strategic importance near key international shipping lanes. Myanmar’s internal conflict since 2021 has intensified border-related challenges.
ISPR previously addressed similar rumours in June 2024, emphasising that claims of foreign takeover are baseless and often rely on edited images and videos from routine bilateral naval exercises.
The Navy conducts joint exercises with regional partners and provides humanitarian support, including medical camps at the island’s 20-bed hospital. Relief efforts followed a cyclone in May 2025. Recent distributions included warm clothes to local residents.
What’s Next
With the 13th national election approaching, the Bangladesh Navy has pledged full alertness to ensure safe and secure voting.
A senior officer stated: “To ensure that the general public can exercise their constitutional right to vote freely and safely, every member of the Bangladesh Navy will remain fully alert, professional, and committed to their duties.”
If Myanmar border tensions escalate further, patrols may intensify. Sustained Bangladesh Navy security operations are expected to deter future human trafficking Teknaf attempts and protect Saint Martin’s Island.
Ongoing vigilance will remain essential to safeguard Bangladesh’s maritime sovereignty amid regional instability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 18th, 2026
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