Police have arrested three individuals in Cox’s Bazar’s Ramu while they were allegedly attempting to smuggle heavy firearm magazines for an armed group stationed near the Myanmar border. During the operation, police recovered 1,600 firearm magazine components (boundlies) and seized a mini pickup van.
According to police, based on secret information received on December 16, it was learned that a smuggling syndicate was transporting firearm accessories through Ramu towards Naikhongchhari for an armed militant group operating in the Myanmar border area.
Acting on the information, a police team led by Ramu Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Monirul Islam Bhuiyan set up a temporary check post at around 1:45 am on December 17 in front of Hotel Al-Madina, located at the head of the Cha Bagan–Naikhongchhari road under Joarianala Union.
When a mini pickup attempted to cross the checkpoint, police signaled the vehicle to stop. The driver ignored the signal and attempted to flee. Police chased the vehicle, stopped it, and arrested three individuals.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 1,600 boundlies, used for holding heavy firearm magazines, stored in 32 plastic sacks.

During preliminary interrogation, the arrested individuals confessed that the recovered items were being transported for supply to an armed militant group positioned near the Myanmar border.
The arrested individuals are: Md. Shahjahan (25), Md. Iliyas (19), Atiqur Rahman (25) All are residents of Naikhongchhari Upazila in Bandarban district.
A case has been filed at Ramu Police Station under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009 (amended 2013). Police stated that the accused are charged with endangering public safety and national sovereignty, creating public fear, and assisting terrorist activities. Police also said that operations are ongoing to arrest other individuals involved in the incident.