In the early hours of Saturday, police in Narayanganj successfully disrupted a criminal gang as they were preparing to launch a series of heists. During a proactive patrol in the Fatullah area, officers apprehended two suspects and seized a significant cache of stolen assets, including 800,000 BDT in cash and a substantial quantity of gold jewellery.
The Midnight Intervention
The operation unfolded at approximately 4:30 AM on Saturday, 14 February, in the Muslimnagar Nayabazar vicinity. A patrol team from Fatullah Model Thana, led by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mozammel Haque and Sub-Inspector (SI) Sanjib Joyaddar, spotted a group of seven to eight individuals behaving suspiciously.
Upon noticing the police presence and the approach of local residents, the gang attempted to flee the scene. While the majority of the group managed to escape into the darkness, officers successfully intercepted and detained two individuals.
Suspects and Seized Assets
The arrested individuals have been identified as Oliullah Howlader (30) and Zakaria Howlader (28). Both are originally from the Amtali area of Barguna district but had been residing in rented accommodation in Fatullah to facilitate their criminal activities.
During the search, police recovered an assortment of makeshift weapons and burglary tools, alongside the following high-value items:
| Item Category | Description / Weight | Quantity |
| Currency | Bangladeshi Taka (Cash) | 800,000 BDT |
| Gold Chain | 22-carat gold | 4.44 grams |
| Gold Ring | 22-carat gold | 2.16 grams |
| Gold Earrings | Various designs | 40 pieces (33.12g) |
| Weapons | Switchblade, machete, knives | 4 units |
| Equipment | Bolt cutters and gas lighter | 2 units |
The Criminal Plot
According to Tariq Al-Mehdi, the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) for Narayanganj District, the gang had been positioning themselves to barricade the road between Panchabati and Kashipur. Their intended targets were vulnerable commuters, specifically drivers of mishuks, auto-rickshaws, and CNGs.
Despite the recovery of the cash and jewellery, the suspects have remained tight-lipped regarding the origin of these specific goods, refusing to disclose which previous victims they were looted from.
Legal Action
A formal case has been registered at Fatullah Model Thana, and the suspects have been remanded to court. Mr Al-Mehdi confirmed that a manhunt is currently underway to identify and capture the remaining six members of the gang who evaded arrest.
