Chattogram DIG says unrecovered firearms no threat ahead of elections

Chattogram Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ahsan Habib Palash has said those holding the unrecovered looted weapons are unlikely to use them before the parliamentary elections.

He shared his view at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon at the superintendent’s office in Nasirabad, Chattogram.

Responding to journalists’ questions about the unrecovered weapons, the DIG said: “Recovering the firearms is undoubtedly a challenge for us. But I don’t think anyone will dare to use the unrecovered weapons to challenge us.”

After the fall of the Awami League government on Aug 5, 2024, establishments belonging to police, including police stations and outposts, were targeted, vandalised, looted, and set on fire.

Reports suggest some of the weapons fell into the hands of criminals and are being used in committing crimes.

Authorities estimate 1,362 firearms and 250,000 rounds of ammunition are still missing.

Police have also announced rewards for information leading to the recovery of the weapons.

Politicians are particularly worried about the weapons’ use ahead of the Feb 12 elections.

The DIG also sees no challenge to the law and order situation across 54 constituencies in Chattogram.

He said security presence will be thick in polling centres identified as risky.

He admitted that there have been some incidents reported in Raozan and Rangunia and claimed that they have been properly investigated and solved. The incidents aimed to tarnish Bangladesh’s image, he said.