A man has been arrested in southern Bangladesh after police recovered an illegal foreign-made firearm, ammunition, and related equipment during a late-night operation in the coastal district of Pirojpur. The suspect, identified as Md. Alim Khan (49), was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of police in a targeted campaign carried out in Bhandaria.
According to police officials, the operation was conducted late at night on Tuesday, 24 February, following specific intelligence inputs indicating the presence of illegal firearms in the area. A DB team launched the campaign at approximately 11:30 pm near the Farzane Rasul Jame Mosque, close to an under-construction brick road in the locality.
During the raid, the suspect reportedly attempted to flee upon noticing the presence of law enforcement officers. However, he was quickly pursued and apprehended at the scene. Police stated that initial questioning of the suspect led to the discovery of concealed weapons inside his residence.
A subsequent search of his home uncovered a foreign-made pistol, one magazine, and five rounds of live ammunition. The items were hidden beneath a mattress in the bedroom, suggesting deliberate concealment.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon, Md. Ziaur Rahman, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) for the district, confirmed the arrest and seizure. He stated that legal proceedings were being initiated under the Arms Act, which governs illegal possession of firearms in Bangladesh.
He further added that the case would be formally filed by the Officer-in-Charge of the Detective Branch, Md. Ariful Islam, who will act as the complainant.
Law enforcement authorities suspect that the accused may have links to wider criminal activities, although further investigation is ongoing to determine whether the firearm was intended for organised crime or other unlawful purposes. Officials noted that such recoveries highlight ongoing concerns about the spread of illegal small arms in semi-urban and rural regions.
Security experts often warn that illegal firearms—particularly imported pistols—pose a significant threat to public safety, as they are frequently used in violent crimes, extortion, and local conflicts. The Detective Branch has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing intelligence-led operations to combat such threats and strengthen community security.
Seized Items Summary
| Item Description | Quantity | Location Recovered | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign-made pistol | 1 | Under mattress (bedroom) | Illegal possession |
| Magazine | 1 | Same location | Fits the pistol |
| Live ammunition rounds | 5 | Same location | Ready for use |
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and share information about suspicious activities, emphasising that community cooperation is vital in preventing the spread of illegal weapons.