Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Chattogram Range, Ahsan Habib Palash said that a large quantity of arms and explosives was recovered during a joint operation by law enforcement agencies in the Jangal Salimpur area of Sitakunda upazila in Chattogram. Following the operation, authorities have established administrative control over the entire area.
He also said that two camps of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police have been set up to strengthen security in the area.
DIG Palash disclosed the information at a press conference held at the Chattogram Range office in Khulshi on Tuesday.
He said that a large-scale combing operation was conducted early Monday in the remote hilly areas of Jangal Salimpur. A total of 3,173 members of different law enforcement agencies participated in the drive, including personnel from the Bangladesh Army, Police, RAB, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the Armed Police Battalion.
During the operation, three helicopters, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), three dog squads, and 12 drones were deployed. Law enforcement personnel searched suspected hideouts, hilly routes, and secret facilities in the area, detaining 22 individuals.
According to the DIG, three firearms were recovered in the drive—one foreign-made pistol, one locally made pistol, and one LG. In addition, 27 pipe guns, three pistol magazines, 27 pipes used for making weapons, 61 cartridges, and around 1,113 rounds of ammunition were seized.
Joint forces recovered 11 crude bombs, 18 hexoblades, and various tools used for manufacturing weapons, including hammers, pliers, wrenches, and drilling machines.
DIG Palash said the criminals had installed CCTV cameras and observation towers in the hilly areas to monitor the movements of law enforcement agencies. These surveillance systems were destroyed during the operation.
However, the leader of the criminal group known as the “Yasin Bahini,” Md. Yasin, managed to flee during the operation and has not yet been arrested.
He said, no casualties were reported during the drive and that the entire area is now under the control of law enforcement agencies. Regular patrols and checkpoints will be maintained to ensure security.
DIG said that weak communication networks in the remote hilly terrain have created some operational challenges. Preliminary findings suggest that certain beneficiaries and land grabbers had been assisting the criminals in the area. Authorities are investigating the matter and will take legal action if necessary.
Meanwhile, Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Ziauddin said that following the establishment of administrative control, the government will begin implementing its planned development initiatives in the area. If necessary, rehabilitation measures for local residents will also be considered.
