224 arrested in joint forces operation over a week

The crackdown nets illegal arms, drugs and stolen items

Joint forces have arrested more than 200 people across Bangladesh in week-long operations, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In a media statement on Thursday, the military’s media wing said the operations were conducted from Oct 2 to Oct 9.

“During the joint drives, 224 individuals -- including smugglers, illegal arms holders, those involved in looting weapons from police stations, drug dealers, and addicts -- were arrested red-handed,” the statement read.

Authorities recovered 10 illegal firearms, nine crude bombs, 17 rounds of ammunition, local and foreign narcotics, cars, motorbikes, mobile phones, and stolen goods during the raids, it added.

The ISPR said the Army has been carrying out regular patrols and security operations in different areas to ensure public safety across the country.

It added that the troops are also directly involved in maintaining order in industrial zones amid ongoing labour unrest.