Arrest of Seven Individuals in Joint Operation
On Wednesday night, seven individuals were arrested during a joint operation conducted in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur district. Among those detained was Enamul Haque Molla, a former leader of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in the upazila. Alongside him, his associates Shawkat Mir, Zahid, Mostofa, Siddiq, Bulbul, and Tofazzal were also taken into custody.
The operation began at Enamul’s residence in Barkul village, where he was arrested along with several weapons. Following information provided by Enamul, law enforcement agencies carried out additional drives in the village and surrounding areas, leading to the arrest of the remaining suspects with arms and ammunition.
Recovered Arms and Ammunition
The authorities recovered a variety of weapons and related items during the operation. These included:
- One pistol
- Three magazines
- Four bullets
- Four walkie-talkies
- Four bats
- Two electric shock devices
- A hammer nail gun
The confiscated items suggest that the group was involved in activities that could pose a threat to public safety.
Political Activities and Background
According to local reports, Enamul had recently been active in the Gazipur-3 constituency, organizing rallies and meetings and putting up posters. He was campaigning under the banner of a BNP unit president based in Saudi Arabia, positioning himself as a potential nominee from the party. However, this activity has raised concerns among local officials and residents.
Sub-inspector Md Junayed of Sreepur Police Station confirmed that the joint operation was initiated based on intelligence reports. The detainees were handed over to the police on Thursday morning for further investigation.
Party Response and Past Allegations
Prof Dr SM Rafiqul Islam Bachchu, the BNP candidate for Gazipur-3, described Enamul as a “notorious terrorist.” He added that Enamul had been expelled from the BNP in 2001 due to criminal activities and had subsequently fled the country. This history raises questions about Enamul’s current political ambitions and whether they align with the party’s values.
Ongoing Investigations
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to determine the full extent of the group’s activities and their connections to any larger networks. The arrests highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public order and preventing the proliferation of illegal arms.