In a pre-dawn operation in the Sayedabad area of Dhaka, the Bangladesh Army’s 46th Independent Infantry Brigade seized a significant cache of drugs, firearms, ammunition, and cash, resulting in the arrest of six individuals, including a woman. The operation underscores the military’s commitment to combating organised crime and maintaining public safety.
Acting on confidential intelligence, the brigade conducted the raid at approximately 4:40 a.m. on Monday, 26 January, focusing on locations near the Sayedabad bus terminal and adjacent railway lines. The target of the operation was the notorious drug dealer and criminal, Auto Sajol, along with his network of associates.
During the operation, Auto Sajol evaded capture, but six others—including his associates Raju, Faruk, Zahid, Sajib, and Joni, as well as a female family member—were apprehended. Authorities have confirmed that efforts to arrest Auto Sajol remain ongoing.
The search of Auto Sajol’s residence revealed weapons, narcotics, and other illicit items hidden in various locations, including the rooftop. The full inventory of seized items is as follows:
| Item | Quantity / Details |
|---|---|
| 7.65 mm foreign automatic pistols | 2 |
| Live rounds of ammunition | 8 |
| Methamphetamine tablets (Yaba) | 5,108 |
| Heroin capsules | 270 |
| Domestic bladed weapons | 13 |
| Cash | BDT 826,430 |
| Cocktail grenades and making equipment | 3 |
| Mobile phones | 20 |
| Bottles of foreign liquor | 2 |
Preliminary investigations indicate that Auto Sajol led an organised criminal gang operating in Sayedabad and Jatrabari for an extended period. The gang was reportedly involved not only in drug trafficking but also in armed criminal activity, supplying narcotics to various parts of the capital.
The Bangladesh Army confirmed that the operation was executed with high levels of professionalism and caution, ensuring no untoward incidents occurred during the raid. The detained individuals and the recovered materials have been handed over to the relevant police station for further legal proceedings.
Officials emphasised that the army remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in preserving law and order and combating drug and organised crime. Future operations of a similar nature are expected to continue as part of broader efforts to ensure public safety in Dhaka and across the country.