Two Members of Teknaf's Drug, Human Trafficking, and Abduction Ring Arrested by RAB: Relief Among Locals

Daily Bijoy News Teknaf (Cox's Bazar) Correspondent:

In a significant breakthrough, identified terrorist Russel and his elder brother Atiq Ullah, who had long been spreading terror in Marish Bania village under Baharchhara Union of Teknaf Upazila in Cox’s Bazar, have finally been arrested by RAB. Around 2 PM on May 16, a RAB operational team conducted a raid on a hillside hideout based on secret intelligence and apprehended them. The arrest has brought a sense of relief among the locals.

Russel, one of the arrested, is the son of Siddiq Ahmed, alias Kosai Siddiq (Butcher Siddiq), the organizing secretary of Baharchhara Union South branch of BNP. Kosai Siddiq himself has long been exploiting illegal party influence to intimidate and oppress ordinary people, silencing them while continuing a series of criminal activities. Through his sons, he built a criminal empire spanning drug trafficking, human trafficking, abduction, smuggling, cattle theft, land grabbing, armed training, and even political dominance.

Cattle Theft and Framing Innocent People

Recently, Siddiq’s family and their associates stole a cow belonging to Jamal Uddin, son of Nurul Amin, along with Nur Kamal and Maulvi Gafur from Marishbu village. Though the stolen cow was later recovered, they framed several innocent individuals to save themselves. These innocent people are currently in jail. The incident triggered unrest and clashes in the area, leaving three injured and one still fighting for his life.

Yaba Trade and Corrupting Youth

Siddiq’s family has been pushing the local youth toward destruction. In their yaba (methamphetamine) trade, they have exploited seven young men, including two college students, turning them into drug dealers. People question how Russel rides a high-end bike (R15) worth lakhs without any legitimate job or income. How is their family constructing a luxurious house, with its foundation and structure already in place?

Party Influence and ‘One-Man Rule’

Using his political identity, Siddiq Ahmed, alias Kosai Siddiq, has been running his own version of "justice," land grabbing, and syndicate activities in the area. Locals allege that no social decision or arbitration takes place without his approval. Threatening people with weapons and machetes over disagreements has become his daily routine.

Crime Even in Family Disputes

The family has even resorted to robbery within their own family—looting the house of their expatriate younger brother, Zaker Ahmed. Police officers present at the scene witnessed the incident after a complaint was filed.

Past Criminal Records

Russel has previous allegations against him, including violence against women and children, abduction, human trafficking (especially to Malaysia), drug trafficking (openly known as the "Drug King"), smuggling goods from Myanmar, cattle theft, and multiple other cases. He and his brother have repeatedly used BNP’s influence to evade the law.

Locals’ Concerns and Appeal

The arrest of these notorious criminals has brought relief to nearly a thousand locals. However, they fear that influential BNP quarters may lobby for their release. An elderly local resident said, "If they are freed, they will re-establish their reign of terror. We urge law enforcement to ensure exemplary punishment."

A responsible administrative source stated that investigations are ongoing, and if proven guilty, no one will be spared.

Daily Bijoy News / Shamsul Alam Sharek