26 Lama rubber workers freed after ransom payment

Twenty-six rubber plantation workers from Lama Upazila in Bandarban were finally freed after being held hostage for two days by armed terrorists in exchange for ransom.

The terrorists released them in a remote hilly area early Tuesday in Eidgah, Cox’s Bazar, after crossing the Lama Upazila border through Naikhongchhari Upazila.

Later, local residents and members of law enforcement received them and provided them with primary treatment at Eidgah Medical Centre in Cox’s Bazar.

The freed workers reported being severely beaten during captivity. They also confirmed that a large sum of money was paid to the terrorists for their release.

Md Shahidullah Kawsar, Bandarban Superintendent of Police, said, “All of them are currently receiving treatment at various private clinics in Eidgah, Cox’s Bazar. The law enforcement is working to identify and arrest the terrorists involved in the abduction.”

Earlier, armed terrorists abducted 26 workers from rubber plantations in Murang Jhiri area of Fasiakhali Union, Lama Upazila, Bandarban on Sunday.