The Bangladesh Coast Guard in a raid has arrested five terrorists in Banshkhali along with three country-made firearms.
The arrested individuals are Abu Nasr Chowdhury (44), Abdul Kader (40), Md. Jamir Ahmed (55), Md. Ziaur Rahman (50), and Md. Sohel (21), all residents of Banshkhali Police Station area.
Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, Media Officer of the Coast Guard, said on Thursday that intelligence reports indicated armed members of the Mansur Bahini were holding locals hostage at gunpoint near Notun Bazar under Banshkhali Police Station. The group was allegedly involved in extortion, land grabbing, and other terrorist activities, threatening local residents when they protested.
In response, the Coast Guard intensified intelligence surveillance and launched a special operation from 3 am to 6 am on Thursday. During the operation, five armed active members of the Mansur Bahini were arrested, along with three country-made firearms, eight rounds of live cartridges, 15 blank cartridges, and eight improvised weapons.
Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq added that an unknown group of terrorists ambushed the Coast Guard vehicle during the operation, vandalizing it and attempting to free the detained suspects. In self-defense, the Coast Guard team fired three blank rounds.
Legal proceedings regarding the seized weapons and detained terrorists are underway. The Bangladesh Coast Guard has vowed to continue operations to eradicate terrorist activities in the region.
