In a major operation, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, mortars, bomb-making materials, and hand grenades from the remote hills of Rangikhali in the Hnila Union of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The operation was confirmed on Thursday, 18 December, at around 9:00 pm by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Jasim Uddin, commanding officer of the Ukhiya (64) Battalion.

The BGB reported that the Rangikhali hills and surrounding areas near the Marine Drive in Baharchhara Union have long served as temporary hideouts for several armed criminal gangs. These groups have been implicated in kidnappings, enforced disappearances, murders, and human trafficking targeting local residents and tourists. Intelligence also suggests their involvement in cross-border drug and smuggling activities.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jasim Uddin, on 17 December at approximately 6:30 pm, a BGB team launched a three-tiered strategic operation in the region. By 10:30 pm, the team had identified suspicious movement in the Rangikhali hills and proceeded to encircle the area. When the gang opened fire, BGB personnel returned fire in self-defence. The gang ultimately abandoned their temporary base and fled to adjacent hills.

Following the raid, BGB recovered the following from the deserted hideout:

• 1 G-3 rifle, with various parts and magazines

• 1 one-shooter gun and 1 LG shooter gun

• 1 MA-1 (MK-2 variant)

• 1 single-barrel shotgun, plus sealing materials

• 3 RGS hand grenades

• 1 mortar shell

• 17 kilograms of gunpowder

• Materials for homemade bombs

• Various indigenous firearms

• A total of 302 rounds of ammunition, including spent casings

Initial investigations indicate that these weapons were likely used by the gang in their long-standing criminal activities, which have posed a significant threat to local security and border integrity.

Lieutenant Colonel Jasim Uddin stated, “The 64 BGB Battalion remains vigilant to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure border security. Intelligence-driven and coordinated operations such as this will continue in the future to neutralise criminal threats and maintain peace in the region.”

The operation highlights the continued efforts of the BGB to disrupt organised crime in border areas and prevent the misuse of sophisticated weaponry that endangers both civilians and law enforcement personnel.

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