In a significant security operation in Harirampur Upazila, Manikganj, a joint team of the Bangladesh Army and police recovered a dangerous cache of foreign firearms, explosive devices, Molotov cocktails, and edged weapons. The operation was conducted late Monday night (2 February) in a remote area adjacent to Lechraganj Bazar.
During a press briefing held on Tuesday afternoon at the Police Superintendent’s conference room, Lieutenant Colonel Wasim Akram, commander of the temporary Army camp in Manikganj, confirmed the seizure. Additional senior officials present included Additional Police Superintendent (Administration and Finance) Md Abdullah Al Masum, Additional Police Superintendent (Crime and Operations) Moharam Ali, and Additional Police Superintendent (DSB) Abdullah Al Mamun.
Lieutenant Colonel Wasim stated that, acting on intelligence reports, a coordinated Army-police team conducted a targeted operation in the Lechraganj Bazar area. During the raid, authorities discovered a Pakistan-made revolver, five Molotov cocktails, several edged weapons, and an electrically connected explosive device concealed beneath a local bridge. The bomb was safely neutralised and destroyed by the Army’s Bomb Disposal Unit, while the other confiscated items were handed over to police custody for further investigation.
“The joint forces remain vigilant to ensure a free, fair, and credible election environment. Our primary responsibility is to maintain a safe voting atmosphere and prevent any acts of terror or violent disturbances,” Lieutenant Colonel Wasim emphasised.
Harirampur police officer-in-charge (OC) Mohammad Afzal Hossain added that the police have officially taken possession of the revolver, a machete, and five rickshaw chains. A General Diary (GD) has been lodged at the local police station, and the matter will subsequently be presented before the courts.
The seized items, summarised below, highlight the range of weapons recovered during the operation:
| No. | Seized Item | Quantity / Details | Origin / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revolver | 1 | Pakistan-made |
| 2 | Molotov cocktail | 5 | Fire-ignitable |
| 3 | Edged weapons | Several | Found hidden in chairs |
| 4 | Electric bomb | 1 | Safely destroyed by Army |
| 5 | Machete | 1 | Handed over to police |
| 6 | Rickshaw chains | 5 | Taken into police custody |
This operation forms part of a broader security strategy ahead of the upcoming elections, ensuring that the local population can participate in the voting process without fear. Such coordinated efforts between the Army and police are being hailed as crucial for maintaining public safety and deterring potential threats during the election period.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to active surveillance and preventive action to safeguard both voters and the wider community, stressing that the readiness of joint forces is central to maintaining law and order in Harirampur and surrounding areas.