Dhaka: The Bangladesh Army has successfully apprehended 16,459 criminals over the past year, demonstrating a robust commitment to maintaining law and order amid ongoing national challenges. Brigadier General Md. Nazim-ud-Daula, Director of the Military Operations Directorate of the Army Headquarters, delivered this update to journalists at the Officers’ Mess in Dhaka Cantonment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the military operations conducted under the interim government have recently intensified, with 813 arrests made in the last four weeks alone. A substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, and narcotics has been seized during these efforts. Specifically, 37 illegal weapons and 179 rounds of ammunition were recovered in the past month. Since August, the army has retrieved 9,729 of 12,119 missing weapons and 287,033 rounds of ammunition.
The detainees comprise juvenile gangs, known terrorists, robbers, and other offenders. Notably, terrorist Yamin Siddiqui Nisat was captured in Kalabagan, and seven individuals were arrested in Rupganj with drugs and weapons. Anti-drug operations have led to the arrest of 55 peddlers across various locations, and since August, 5,576 individuals associated with drug activities have been detained.
In anti-smuggling efforts, medicines worth Tk 1,12,00,000 were seized in Sunamganj, along with illegal cosmetics, clothing, and coffee in Sylhet. Additionally, four brokers facilitating illegal driving licenses were captured at BRTA offices in Dhaka and Purbachal.
Efforts to curb illegal sand and stone extraction from rivers resulted in the confiscation of 34 boats and other equipment, with 96 arrests made. The army also intervened in criminal activities, such as attempted murder and bomb scares, ensuring the apprehension of suspects.
In humanitarian actions, the army provided medical treatment to 889 injured in the July uprising and executed rescue operations following an Air Force training aircraft crash. They also maintained security during the Ulta Rath Yatra and engaged in operations in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, dismantling illegal camps and seizing contraband.
In addressing threats to the National Citizen Party members in Gopalganj, Brigadier General Md. Nazim-ud-Daula affirmed the army’s dedication to public safety, law enforcement, and counter-terrorism efforts, operating tirelessly to safeguard the nation.