At least 25 workers were abducted by unknown people from various rubber plantations in Lama's Fasiakhali area in Bandarban  yesterday, said  locals and garden owners.

The incident took place in the Goyalmara area of Fasiakhali around 10:00am.

Md Shajahan, one of the plantation owners, said, "At least 12 of them are workers of my garden."

Talking to The Daily Star, he said the rest of the victims were kidnapped from other gardens.

"Some unknown people called me by phone in the afternoon and demanded Tk 6 lakh in ransom for the release of my 12 workers," said Shajahan.

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He also said that unidentified people sent letters to all the rubber gardens in this area demanding ransom.

The workers are residents of Ramu and Eidgah in Cox's Bazar district and Naikhongchhari in Bandarban district, said locals.

Lama Upazila Nirbahi Officer Moin Uddin confirmed the incident and said they are yet to identify the suspects.

Members of the army, police, BGB, and local representatives are coordinating the rescue efforts, which is challenging due to the area's geographical challenges, the UNO added.

Contacted, Bandarban Superintendent of Police Md Shahidullah Kauser said he was on leave but is now on his way to Bandarban. The identities of the abductors remain unknown and joint forces are carrying out operations.

A member of Fasiakhali Union Parishad, wishing anonymity, told The Daily Star that a week ago, leaflets demanding Tk 50,000 in extortion from each rubber plantation were found hanging in the Lama Fasiakhali-Naikhongchhari border area.

Earlier on January 14, three workers were abducted and on February 1, seven lumberjacks were reportedly abducted from Bandarban's Lama upazila, according to media reports.

The abducted individuals were later released after paying a ransom.