Weapons used in attack on journalists recovered, illegal garage sealed off in Savar: Police

Police claimed to have recovered weapons allegedly used in the recent attack on journalists in Savar and sealed off an illegal rickshaw garage linked to the prime accused, as efforts continue to arrest him.

Police conducted raids at the residence, rickshaw garage and other possible hideouts of the main accused Shamim Reza in connection with the attack that took place in Paschim Rajashan area of Savar on 22 May, said Shamima Pervin, superintendent of police of Dhaka, at a press briefing at Savar Model Police Station today (27 May).  

Although police could not arrest Shamim during the drives, they recovered several locally made weapons allegedly used in the attack, including hammers, crowbars, iron rods and knives, she said.

Police also seized several CCTV cameras installed by the accused, along with DVR devices, monitors, routers, mobile phones and other materials, according to her.

Additional Superintendent of Police Arafatul Islam Md Jahangir Alam, Tarikul Islam and Zahidul Islam Khan, alongside officials from district police, detective branch police and Savar Model Police Station, were present at the briefing.

Highlighting the police force’s position on accountability and transparency, she said they maintain a zero-tolerance policy not only against drugs and crime but also against misconduct and negligence within the force.

“You have already seen that after allegations of negligence surfaced regarding the failure to arrest the accused immediately after reaching the scene, we first removed three officers. Later, Officer-in-Charge Arman Ali was also withdrawn and attached to the police lines after further evidence of negligence in duty emerged,” Shamima said.

She added that investigations against the officers are ongoing and departmental action will be taken if the allegations are proven.

According to Shamima, police rescued the injured journalists from the scene soon after the attack and sent them to hospital. Four people were also arrested from the spot, while police recovered damaged cameras, part of the stolen cash and several mobile phones.

She said drives to arrest the prime accused are continuing and confirmed that the illegal rickshaw garage operated by Shamim has already been demolished.

Responding to reports circulating on different platforms claiming the accused had secretly fled the country, the superintendent of police said police have not yet found any concrete evidence supporting such claims.

Reiterating the government’s and police force’s strict stance against narcotics, she said intensified anti-drug operations have been underway since she joined the district police on 9 May.

“In just 18 days since I joined, Savar Model Police Station alone has filed 45 cases related to drugs and illegal weapons and arrested 63 people,” Shamima said, adding that in the last 24 hours alone, nine such cases were filed and 15 people arrested.

She further said police members are currently working to ensure smooth travel for Eid holidaymakers, while a weeklong crackdown against drugs and illegal weapons will begin after Eid.

Urging citizens not to take the law into their own hands, the superintendent of police called on people to share information about drug dens or criminal activities with police.

“Provide us with information and we will conduct operations together with you. But please do not take the law into your own hands,” she added.