In a decisive operation, the Bangladesh Army apprehended a third-gender individual involved in large-scale drug trafficking, seizing a substantial quantity of cannabis along with other items. The arrest took place late on Wednesday night, 28 January, at approximately 11:30 PM, at the Gournadi Bus Stand on the Dhaka–Barisal highway.
The operation was led by the 62 East Bengal Regiment under the 6th Infantry Brigade, part of the 7th Infantry Division of the Bangladesh Army. Acting on intelligence reports, the unit successfully intercepted Koushik Chandra Sarker, 25, a resident of Nabayunpur village under Nawabganj police station in Dinajpur district. Koushik is identified as a member of the third gender community.
Authorities recovered a total of 14 kilograms of cannabis from Koushik, alongside a mobile phone, BDT 10,000 in cash, and a briefcase. The haul has been handed over to Gournadi Model Police Station for formal investigation and further legal proceedings.
| Item Seized | Quantity / Details |
|---|---|
| Cannabis | 14 kilograms |
| Mobile Phone | 1 unit |
| Cash | BDT 10,000 |
| Briefcase | 1 unit |
Confirming the arrest on Thursday morning, 29 January, Gournadi Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Tarik Hasan Russel stated that Koushik Chandra Sarker and the recovered items are now in police custody. Preparations are underway to file a formal case against him under the relevant narcotics laws.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Koushik has been involved in trafficking drugs along the Dhaka–Kuakata route for an extended period. The operation reflects the ongoing vigilance of Bangladesh’s armed forces in curbing illegal narcotics trade.
Lieutenant Colonel Foyez Ahmed, commanding officer of the 62 East Bengal Regiment, emphasised the army’s firm stance against drug-related crimes. “The Bangladesh Army maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics. Operations of this nature will continue to ensure public safety and disrupt criminal networks,” he stated.
This arrest is seen as a significant blow to organised drug trafficking networks operating in southern Bangladesh and underscores the collaborative efforts between the military and local law enforcement to combat the growing menace of illegal drugs.