Members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard have arrested seven suspected members of an organised criminal group during a pre-dawn security operation in the Dighalia area of Khulna district. Authorities reported that the suspects were detained along with illegal firearms, ammunition and an improvised explosive device during the raid conducted early on Sunday morning.
The information was confirmed later that day by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan. According to the official statement, the operation was carried out following intelligence reports indicating the presence of armed individuals linked to the notorious Khobir Molla group in the region.
Acting on the intelligence, personnel from the Coast Guard Station in Rupsa launched a targeted operation at approximately 5:00 a.m. in the Gazirhat area under Dighalia police jurisdiction. Security forces surrounded the suspected location and conducted a search of the area. During the operation, officers recovered several weapons believed to have been intended for criminal use.
The seized items included a single-barrel shotgun, a locally manufactured one-shot firearm, three rounds of live ammunition and an improvised explosive device commonly referred to as a cocktail bomb. Authorities stated that the weapons and explosive materials were confiscated immediately after the arrests.
Security officials believe the suspects are associated with a group that has been under surveillance due to suspected involvement in various unlawful activities in parts of southern Bangladesh. While investigators are continuing to examine the recovered materials and possible connections to other criminal incidents, the operation was described as part of broader efforts to prevent armed violence and maintain stability in the region.
The seven detainees have been identified as residents of Kalia sub-district in Narail district. Their details are summarised in the following table.
| Serial | Name | Age | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siraj Molla | 55 | Kalia, Narail |
| 2 | Mizanur Fakir | 55 | Kalia, Narail |
| 3 | Tuhin Molla | 24 | Kalia, Narail |
| 4 | Imran Molla | 23 | Kalia, Narail |
| 5 | Ashik Molla | 20 | Kalia, Narail |
| 6 | Nasim Sheikh | 21 | Kalia, Narail |
| 7 | Johnny Molla | 37 | Kalia, Narail |
According to Coast Guard sources, all confiscated weapons and ammunition have been formally seized as evidence. The suspects are currently in custody, and legal proceedings are being initiated in accordance with national law. Authorities are expected to hand over the detainees and the recovered materials to the relevant law-enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
Law-enforcement officials noted that coastal and riverine regions of southern Bangladesh are regularly monitored by the Coast Guard in order to deter criminal activity, including illegal arms possession, smuggling and violent organised groups. Intelligence-driven operations such as this one are conducted periodically to ensure public safety and reinforce law and order.
Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan emphasised that maintaining stability and preventing armed criminal activities remain key priorities for the Bangladesh Coast Guard. He added that similar operations will continue in the future as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and protect communities across the country.
Local authorities have also encouraged residents to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities, noting that public cooperation plays a vital role in preventing the spread of illegal weapons and organised crime.