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The Rapid Action Battalion has arrested eight people with 11 firearms from the riverine areas of Raipura in Narsingdi, saying the weapons were kept to “assert territorial dominance”.
According to the RAB, the arms were smuggled in from a neighbouring country through river routes, while some were also sourced from Moheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar, reports bdnews24.com.
The arrests were made during an overnight raid on Friday in Saidabad under Raipura Police Station.
The arrestees are Mohammad Shafik Mia, 32, Mohammad Mostafa, 38, Md Ainal, 38, Mohiuddin Hridoy, 22, Mohammad Bachchu Mia, 62, Kalu Mia, 69, Mohammad Bashed, 40, and a 17-year-old boy.
Recovered weapons include two foreign-made pistols, five single-barrel guns, one double-barrel gun, two LGs, and one pipe gun.
The elite force also seized three magazines and 35 rounds of ammunition.
Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar, RAB-11 Commanding Officer Lt Col HM Shazzad Hossain said: “These weapons were brought across the border through river routes. There are some craftsmen in the hilly areas of Moheshkhali who also produce weapons.
“Sometimes, these craftsmen were even brought in to make arms locally.”