Chittagong’s Banshkhali Police have successfully intercepted a minibus carrying a concealed firearm, arresting two men in the process. The arrests occurred on Saturday night during a joint operation conducted by the District Detective Branch (DB) and Banshkhali Police. Authorities also seized the vehicle involved in the operation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as 26-year-old Ahmad Mostafa, the driver, and 24-year-old Anik Kanti De, his assistant. Both hail from the Howan Killa locality of Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar. The minibus, travelling from Maheshkhali towards Chittagong, was stopped near the Diabetic Hospital in Banshkhali for a routine checkpoint inspection.
During a meticulous search of the minibus, police discovered a locally manufactured firearm hidden behind the front seat, a clear attempt to smuggle the weapon undetected. Following this revelation, Mostafa and Anik were immediately taken into police custody, and the minibus was seized as evidence.
Md. Khaled Saifullah, Officer-in-Charge of Banshkhali Police Station, confirmed the arrests and the recovery of the weapon. A case has been registered under the Arms Act, and investigations are underway to trace the weapon’s origin and intended recipient. Authorities are also examining whether these arrests are linked to wider criminal networks operating in the region.
The operation has drawn attention to the persistent threat posed by illegal arms trafficking in southern Bangladesh. Police have urged local communities to assist in curbing the proliferation of such weapons by reporting any suspicious activity. Residents of Banshkhali have expressed both relief at the police’s quick action and concern over the prevalence of illegal firearms.
The successful interception of this minibus not only demonstrates the vigilance of law enforcement agencies but also highlights the need for continuous monitoring of transport routes known for smuggling. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the illegal arms network.