Rangamati, Sept 28 (V7N) – The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has foiled a planned act of unrest and militant activity in the Chittagong Hill Tracts by seizing a large consignment of locally made weapons from a passenger bus in Rangamati on Sunday afternoon.
 
According to BGB authorities, the Kaptai Battalion (41 BGB), under the jurisdiction of the Kukimara Para BGB camp, conducted a search operation based on intelligence inputs. During the operation, a passenger bus of Somrat Paribahan (Dhaka Metro-BA-11-1630) traveling from Bandarban towards Rangamati and Khagrachhari was intercepted. The search led to the recovery of approximately 500 locally made sharp weapons, including machetes and cleavers, which were concealed without any claim of ownership.
 
The bus driver, Shukkur Ali, son of Joynal Abedin from the Reserve Bazar area under Kotwali Police Station in Rangamati, and his assistant, Sabbir, son of Md. Yusuf of the same area, were detained for questioning. During preliminary interrogation, both admitted that the weapons were being transported under the directive of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), led by Prasit Bikash Khisa. The weapons were reportedly intended to incite violence in Khagrachhari and Guimara areas.
 
The seized weapons, bus, and related information were later handed over to Kaptai Police Station for further legal action. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Kay Kislu confirmed that interrogation of the detained individuals was ongoing to determine the full extent of the smuggling operation and identify others involved.
 
Subedar Abdul Malek, commander of the Kukimara Para BGB camp, led the operation. BGB officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, warning that strict action would be taken against UPDF and other armed separatist groups attempting to disrupt public security.
 
Local administration sources stated that a case has already been initiated, and a full investigation is underway to trace the origin and intended use of the recovered weapons.
 
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Khagrachhari witnessed widespread violence allegedly carried out by UPDF members during a blockade protest following the reported rape of a Marma student. The incident further highlighted the growing unrest linked to UPDF activities in the region.
 
Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance across the Chittagong Hill Tracts in recent months due to a rise in violent incidents. Officials described the latest BGB seizure as a significant success in preventing terrorist activities and safeguarding the security of local communities.
 
END/AMR/SMA/