SUNAMGONJ – A substantial cache of domestic and foreign firearms, ammunition, and related equipment has been seized from the residence of Piar Ali, a local leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami, in Jagannathpur upazila. The operation was carried out by the Bangladesh Army, and the police have subsequently filed a case under the Arms Act against him.
Piar Ali, son of Arshad Ali, hails from Shriramisi (Rasulpur) village in Mirpur Union and serves as the regional president of the Shriramisi branch of Jamaat-e-Islami. Following the discovery, he has gone into hiding and is currently at large.
According to the case details, at around 2:00 am on Tuesday, a special operation team from the 17th Infantry Division of the Bangladesh Army conducted a targeted raid on intelligence reports pointing to the presence of illegal weapons at Piar Ali’s residence. During the operation, a significant number of firearms and ammunition, both domestic and imported, were recovered.
The seizure included a variety of firearms, rounds of ammunition, and other lethal weapons. The recovered items were later handed over to the local police station for further investigation.
Summary of Seized Weapons and Ammunition
| Item Description | Quantity | Type/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign pistol | 1 | Semi-automatic |
| Foreign revolver | 2 | Revolver type |
| Single-barrel gun | 1 | Domestic |
| Domestic pipe gun | 1 | Improvised weapon |
| Various bullets | 13 | Assorted calibres |
| Airgun pellets (14 boxes) | 14 | 14-calibre |
| Empty pistol magazine | 1 | Compatible with recovered pistols |
| Various sharp weapons | Several | Knives and other lethal implements |
Jagannathpur police station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC), Shafiqul Islam, confirmed the incident, stating: “A case has been lodged against Piar Ali under the Arms Act. The individual in question has absconded, and police are actively pursuing his arrest.”
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over illegal firearms proliferation in the region, particularly among politically affiliated groups. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement and provide any information regarding the whereabouts of the fugitive leader.
As investigations continue, security forces are expected to intensify operations in the area to prevent further circulation of unlicensed arms and ensure local safety.