In a significant law enforcement operation, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has recovered a foreign-made revolver along with three rounds of live ammunition from the Shah Makhdum area of Rajshahi city. The seizure took place in the early hours of Sunday, shortly after 12:30 a.m., from a location identified as Nawdapara in the southern part of the Shah Makhdum police precinct.
According to an official press release issued by RAB on Monday, 16 March, the operation was conducted following precise intelligence regarding the presence of illegal firearms in the area. The recovered revolver, manufactured in the United States, was found abandoned, along with live rounds ready for use. The weapons were subsequently handed over to the local police station for further legal procedures.
A RAB spokesperson stated, “Our teams act on credible intelligence to prevent the circulation of illegal arms within the city. Recoveries like these are essential to maintain public safety and curb potential criminal activities.” The statement further emphasised that operations targeting concealed weapons are part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of citizens in urban areas.
The following table summarises the recovered items:
| Item | Description | Quantity | Country of Manufacture | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolver | Foreign-made revolver | 1 | United States | Abandoned |
| Ammunition | Live rounds | 3 | Unspecified | Serviceable |
Law enforcement officials noted that the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal arms within Rajshahi. The Shah Makhdum precinct and surrounding areas have been under close surveillance due to prior reports of weapons concealment. RAB teams have intensified night-time patrolling and targeted searches in response to these threats.
Recent months have seen a rise in similar interventions across various urban districts in Bangladesh, where abandoned or hidden firearms pose a serious risk to public safety. Officials underscore that even a single revolver in circulation can facilitate criminal acts and heighten insecurity among residents.
Local citizens have welcomed the seizure, describing it as a crucial step towards maintaining peace and security in the neighbourhood. Community leaders praised RAB’s proactive intelligence-led operations and urged continuous vigilance to prevent future incidents.
Authorities confirmed that legal proceedings regarding the recovered revolver and ammunition are now underway. The successful recovery is expected to serve as a deterrent to the illegal possession and distribution of firearms in Rajshahi, reinforcing the commitment of law enforcement agencies to uphold law and order.
Overall, this operation highlights the importance of intelligence-driven policing and coordinated efforts to eliminate illegal weapons from urban environments, ensuring the safety and security of residents.