A coordinated operation by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has led to the arrest of three individuals in Chattogram, Bangladesh, along with the seizure of counterfeit banknotes worth over one hundred thousand taka. The arrests were made during separate raids conducted on Saturday night in the Pahartali area of the city and in the Hatazari upazila of the district.
According to officials, the operation was based on confidential intelligence regarding the circulation of forged currency ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha period, when cash transactions typically increase across the country.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Md. Ahsanullah, Jahidul Islam, and Hasanur Rahi. Ahsanullah was detained from the Hamzarbagh area under the Pahartali police jurisdiction in Chattogram city, while the other two suspects were apprehended from the Abbasia Bridge area in Hatazari.
During the raid on Ahsanullah, RAB personnel recovered counterfeit currency notes amounting to BDT 112,750 from a shopping bag in his possession. In a separate follow-up operation, Jahidul Islam and Hasanur Rahi were found carrying counterfeit notes worth BDT 850.
Officials from Rapid Action Battalion stated that preliminary interrogation suggests the accused were involved in distributing fake currency in anticipation of heightened demand during the Eid season. Authorities further indicated that such syndicates often exploit festive periods to circulate counterfeit money in local markets.
Two separate cases have been filed in connection with the incidents, and investigations are ongoing to identify additional members of the network. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that efforts are underway to dismantle the wider syndicate believed to be operating across multiple locations.
A RAB spokesperson noted that surveillance and intelligence operations have been intensified to curb the spread of counterfeit currency, which poses a serious threat to financial transactions and market stability, particularly during high-demand periods.
Arrest and Seizure Summary
| Name | Location of Arrest | Area | Seized Counterfeit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Md. Ahsanullah | Chattogram City | Hamzarbagh, Pahartali | BDT 112,750 |
| Jahidul Islam | Hatazari | Abbasia Bridge area | Included in joint seizure |
| Hasanur Rahi | Hatazari | Abbasia Bridge area | Included in joint seizure |
| Total Seized | — | — | BDT 113,600 (approx.) |
Authorities have reaffirmed that operations against counterfeit currency networks will continue, with a focus on identifying production sources and distribution channels to prevent further circulation.