Over 140,000 Arrested in Extensive 88-Day Nationwide Police Crackdown

In a major bid to curb rising criminality, maintain public order, and ensure national security, law enforcement agencies across Bangladesh have arrested over 141,000 individuals during a comprehensive 88-day operation. According to a press release issued by the Police Headquarters in Dhaka on Tuesday, the extensive drive combined both specialized crackdowns and routine operational procedures to yield significant results.

Broad-Scale Enforcement and Arrest Figures

The sustained operation, conducted between 1 May and 27 July, targeted identified offenders, suspects linked to active court cases, and key figures within organized crime syndicates. Police reported that out of the total 141,989 arrests made nationwide, 39,267 individuals were apprehended during targeted special drives. The remaining 102,722 individuals were taken into custody through routine law enforcement efforts and ongoing criminal investigations.

This nationwide initiative underscores the authorities’ commitment to dismantling criminal networks, reducing violent crime, and restoring public confidence in law enforcement. Similar large-scale operations in urban centres like Dhaka, as well as peripheral districts, have historically been deployed to curb gang activities, violent offences, and illicit trafficking ahead of key political or administrative milestones.

Cache of Arms and Explosives Recovered

A primary objective of the nearly three-month campaign was to confiscate illegal weaponry circulating within local communities. Police units successfully seized a substantial arsenal comprising 325 firearms, 2,802 rounds of live ammunition and cartridges, 103 magazines, and 638 traditional weapons. Authorities also dismantled potential manufacturing cells, recovering 18 firearm parts along with 17 components specifically utilized for assembling arms and improvised explosive devices.

Major Crackdown on Drug Trafficking

Parallel to the arms recovery, police directed rigorous efforts toward combating narcotics distribution networks. Drug abuse and smuggling remain significant social challenges in the country, particularly given border regions that facilitate the inflow of illegal substances such as Yaba—a synthetic methamphetamine pill—and Phensedyl syrup.

During the 88-day period, officers impounded over 9.1 million Yaba tablets, thousands of puriyas (packets) of heroin and cannabis, and substantial quantities of imported and locally brewed alcohol. Consequently, police registered 17,066 distinct cases under the Narcotics Control Act, resulting in the arrest of 24,821 suspects linked specifically to drug offences. Police Headquarters reiterated that strict vigilance and zero-tolerance policies regarding narcotics and illicit arms will continue across all administrative divisions.