Photo: Collected from internet

CHATTOGRAM, Mar 9, 2026 (BSS) - A joint forces operation was conducted in the Salimpur forest and surrounding areas of Sitakunda upazila early today to combat terrorism and recover illegal arms.

During the drive, at least 15 people were arrested and five firearms were recovered. Law enforcement agencies have now established control over the Salimpur forest area, officials said.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Chattogram Range Ahsan Habib Palash disclosed the information while briefing journalists this afternoon.

He said around 3,200 members from different law enforcement agencies, including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Armed Police Battalion (APBN), took part in the operation.

According to the DIG, the main objective of the drive was to establish administrative control in the vast forest area, which has now been achieved.

However, Md. Yasin, leader of the 'Yasin Bahini' active in the Jungle Salimpur and Alinagar areas, managed to escape during the operation and remains at large.

DIG Ahsan Habib Palash said that law enforcement agencies have now established "full authority and control" in the Jungle Salimpur area.

He added that due to the lack of mobile network coverage in many parts of the forest, detailed information about the operation is still being collected. The identities of those arrested will be disclosed later.

To strengthen security in the remote area, two permanent camps -- one for police and another for RAB -- will be set up starting today.

Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Ziauddin said the administration has now established authority in the area and the government has plans to implement development projects there.

The DIG also said heavy weapons will be deployed if necessary to ensure security in the remote hilly region.

On January 19 this year, RAB-7 Deputy Assistant Director Motaleb Hossain Bhuiyan was killed and three others were injured in a terrorist attack during a raid in the Salimpur forest. Following the incident, law enforcement agencies launched a large-scale operation in the area, long known for drug trafficking, illegal weapons and gang activities.