Bangladesh’s military announced on Wednesday that it had arrested 2,500 individuals and seized 6,000 firearms as part of its ongoing effort to bolster security after the revolution that ousted former leader Sheikh Hasina in August.
The weapons were looted during the violent upheaval of the student-led revolution that resulted in Hasina’s downfall. In the aftermath, Hasina fled the country by helicopter, seeking refuge in India as mass protests and chaos engulfed the nation.
Since then, the military has been engaged in a sweeping operation to recover the stolen arms. More than 3,700 weapons were returned during a government-imposed amnesty program that ended in early September. Following this, security forces intensified their efforts, leading to the recovery of an additional 6,000 illegally held firearms and 200,000 rounds of ammunition.
Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan, speaking to the press, confirmed the ongoing operation, adding, “Our operation is still ongoing.”
After the revolution, an interim government took power and granted the military judicial authority, empowering them to carry out law enforcement activities typically handled by the police. Despite rising concerns, Colonel Khan assured that there had been no directive from the government regarding the withdrawal of military forces. “There has been no directive from the government regarding the army’s withdrawal,” he said.
In response to reports that four individuals had died while in military custody since August, the army rejected the claims, asserting that its troops were adhering to strict operational guidelines. “Should any complaints arise, we will take necessary action,” Khan assured the press.
The military’s extensive crackdown continues as Bangladesh attempts to stabilize in the wake of the revolutionary upheaval.
