16% of looted govt firearms in Chattogram still unrecovered: RAB

Around 16% of government firearms looted from law enforcement agencies in Chattogram remain unrecovered, with RAB preparing to launch a coordinated operation with other law enforcement agencies to retrieve the weapons.

RAB-7 Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mostafizur Rahman disclosed the information at a media interaction at the RAB-7 Media Centre at CPC-3 Chandgaon Camp in Bahaddarhat today (14 September).

He said around 84% of the looted government firearms had been recovered, while the remaining 16% were yet to be traced.

“An initiative has been taken to conduct a coordinated operation led by RAB, involving other law enforcement agencies, to recover the remaining firearms,” he said.

According to the RAB-7 commander, around 150 government firearms were looted in Chattogram.

He warned that the unrecovered weapons could fall into the hands of criminals and pose a serious threat to public safety if used by terrorists, extortionists, kidnappers, extortionists or other criminals.

The government has announced cash rewards for information leading to the recovery of the looted firearms and ammunition, he said.

A reward of Tk2 lakh will be given for information leading to the recovery of rifles, submachine guns (SMGs), light machine guns (LMGs) and sniper rifles. Information leading to the recovery of shotguns, pistols and gas guns will carry a reward of Tk50,000.

The reward for information leading to the recovery of sound grenades and tear shells is Tk1,500, while Tk50 will be given for each round of ammunition recovered based on the information.

The identities of informants will be kept confidential and necessary security will be provided, Mostafizur Rahman said.

“If anyone knows of looted government firearms or ammunition being kept somewhere, hidden or used, they should inform the nearest law enforcement agency,” he said.

Based on such information, the weapons will be recovered and those involved will be brought to justice, he added.

RAB seeks media cooperation

Seeking cooperation from journalists, Mostafizur Rahman said the media could help identify where the looted firearms are, who is using them and who is behind their possession through investigative reports and published information.

“The power of the pen and camera is stronger than that of weapons,” he said, stressing the media’s role in combating crime and recovering illegal firearms.

He said the remaining weapons could be recovered quickly with cooperation from law enforcement agencies, the public and the media.

However, he urged people to provide information responsibly, warning that unverified or false information could unnecessarily divert law enforcement personnel and resources during operations.

“Law enforcement agencies should be informed only when there is genuine and important information,” he said.

He added that all information received regarding the recovery of looted government firearms would be thoroughly verified before any necessary action is taken.