Looted arms still belong to public

RAJSHAHI, Sept 03: Public concern has been raised about the weapons looted from police just after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on August 05.
Miscreants vandalised and torched police stations and outposts in Rajshahi, looting 207 weapons and 11,027 rounds of ammunition.
Law enforcers recovered 157 weapons with 50 others still missing.
When security risk has increased, a joint operation will begin no Wednesday to recover looted and illegal weapons.
According to Rajshahi Range DIG office, police clashed with protestors in different parts of the country, leading to casualties during the anti-discrimination student movement.
Meanwhile, 16 police stations and 11 police outposts and police boxes were attacked, vandalised, looted and set on fire in Rajshahi division from August 03 to 05. Fifteen police were killed and 188 people were injured.
Besides, 207 weapons, including china, LNG, SNG pistols, short guns and 11,027 ammunitions were looted.
Again, 18 police pickups, a micro bus, 2 private cars, 3 Lagunas and 174 motorcycles were also vandalised and set on fire.
According to DIG office, out of 207 weapons looted in Rajshahi division, 157 have been recovered but 50 weapons are still missing.
Again, out of 16,822 looted ammunitions, only 5,795 were recovered. As a result, 11,027 ammunitions have not been recovered yet.
So, Rajshahi residents are at risk of security. In such a situation, the administration has ordered to return the looted weapons and ammunition to the police station by September 3. After that, a joint operation will be conducted in Rajshahi like the rest of the country as per government instructions to recover illegal weapons from next Wednesday. Strict action will be taken if any arms and ammunition are found in the operation.
Ahmad Safi Uddin, Rajshahi district president of Citizens for Good Governance (Sujan), said that police weapons in the hands of civilians are very dangerous. So, it is important to take quick steps to seize them.
Muhammad Saiful Islam, additional DIG (Operations) of Rajshahi Range, said all policemen are back to work and all activities are going on.

[email protected]