Police Arrest 117,000 in Nationwide 72-Day Crackdown

Bangladesh Police have arrested nearly 117,000 people during a nationwide enforcement drive conducted over the past 72 days, targeting individuals accused of involvement in a wide range of criminal activities. The operation, which covered Dhaka and other parts of the country, also led to the seizure of hundreds of firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition and a substantial quantity of illegal narcotics.

The figures were released on Monday in a press statement issued by the media wing of Police Headquarters. According to the statement, the coordinated operations were carried out between 1 May and 12 July as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety, curb organised crime and intensify action against illegal weapons and drug trafficking.

Police said a total of 32,908 people were arrested during special operations specifically targeting criminal suspects. Another 83,817 individuals were detained through routine policing, including people wanted in pending criminal cases and others accused of various offences. Combined, the total number of arrests during the 72-day period reached nearly 117,000.

The nationwide raids also resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of illegal weapons and explosive materials. Investigators seized 243 firearms, including 76 pistols, 50 guns, 33 locally manufactured LG firearms, 30 shooter guns, 18 revolvers, 15 pipe guns, 12 air guns, four shotguns, two rifles, two submachine guns (SMGs) and one pen gun. Officers also recovered 2,313 rounds of ammunition, 88 magazines, 503 locally made weapons, 43 crude explosive devices, around two kilograms of gunpowder, 18 firearm components, 17 sets of weapon and bomb-making equipment, and 10,000 chocolate bombs.

Police also reported extensive recoveries during anti-narcotics operations. The seized drugs included 7,640,276 yaba tablets, 8,284 packets of heroin, 3,186 bottles of phensedyl, 6,835 bottles of foreign liquor, 354 bottles of locally produced liquor, 5,336 packets of cannabis, along with other illegal narcotic substances.

The anti-drug campaign resulted in 14,157 criminal cases being filed across the country. A total of 20,439 people were arrested in connection with those cases, reflecting the continued emphasis on disrupting drug trafficking and distribution networks.

According to Police Headquarters, the operations form part of an ongoing nationwide strategy aimed at maintaining law and order, apprehending fugitives, dismantling criminal groups and reducing the circulation of illegal firearms and narcotics. The force said intelligence-led policing, regular patrols and targeted raids are being carried out simultaneously in different parts of the country to prevent crime and enhance public security.

Authorities indicated that such operations will continue as part of broader efforts to enforce the law, recover illegal weapons and take action against those involved in criminal activities. Police believe sustained enforcement and coordinated investigations remain essential to improving public safety and maintaining stability across the country.