Dhaka, Apr 25 (V7N): Police conducted a late-night raid on an alleged illegal bar named “Combe Restaurant and Bar” in the Uttara area of Bangladesh’s capital, detaining 140 people, including 57 women. However, no alcohol or beer was reportedly seized during the operation.

The raid took place from late Thursday night until around 4:00 a.m. at a building located near Moyer Mor in Sector 12 of Uttara. Authorities said the establishment had been operating for a long time on the third, fourth, and fifth floors of a commercial building on Sonargaon Janapath Road under the guise of a restaurant.

During the operation, police found that the venue was allegedly being used not only for alcohol consumption but also for entertainment involving women. Several rooms on the fifth floor were reportedly arranged for private gatherings. Law enforcement officials said people from various backgrounds, including suspected gang members, political activists, and businessmen, were present at the scene. Some individuals were seen arguing with police while intoxicated.

Many young men and women were found hiding in toilets, corridors, sofas, and kitchen areas during the raid. They were later taken into custody and transported to the police station for questioning.

The operation was led by Deputy Commissioner Mirza Tarek Ahmed Beg of the Uttara Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Officers from Uttara West Police Station, Detective Branch (DB), and other intelligence agencies in plainclothes also participated in the raid.

According to sources, the establishment had no valid license to operate as a bar. It was also alleged that alcohol was being sold illegally without approval from the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation. Reports further suggested that the venue had been operating late into the night with loud music and gatherings, attracting students and young people from schools, colleges, and universities. Allegations of irregular payments to some law enforcement personnel were also raised, though not officially confirmed.

Speaking to reporters, DC Mirza Tarek Ahmed Beg said that the operation was part of ongoing drives against youth gangs and drug-related activities. He confirmed that 140 people were detained, noting that neither the establishment nor the individuals had valid licenses for alcohol consumption.

When asked about oversight from the Department of Narcotics Control, he declined to comment directly. He added that police operations against illegal establishments would continue nationwide and urged public cooperation.

He further stated that similar operations would be conducted in other bars in the Uttara area in phases, emphasizing strict enforcement of the law.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Md. Ariful Islam, Officer-in-Charge Md. Khalid Monsur, Inspector (Investigation) Md. Moniruzzaman, Inspector (Operations) Md. Nazrul Islam, along with other police officials, were present during the operation.

END/MJ/SMA/