Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Army, in a joint intelligence-driven operation, arrested two of the country’s most notorious top yerrorists – Subrata Bain and Molla Masud – along with two accomplices from the Kalishankarpur area of Kushtia town early Tuesday morning.
A source within a law enforcement agency confirmed the arrests to the media later in the day. The operation, which took place between 5:00 am and 8:00 am near Sonar Bangla Mosque in Kushtia, also led to the recovery of five firearms, 53 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines.
Subrata Bain, also known as Fateh Ali, rose to infamy during the 1990s as a dominant figure in Dhaka’s underworld, reportedly involved in crimes ranging from extortion and tender manipulation to multiple murders. Molla Masud, formally known as Abu Russell Masud, is also a listed criminal with a similar background in organised crime.
The arrests are being treated as highly significant by intelligence and security agencies. Authorities suspect these individuals have links to recent terrorist activity in the capital.
At a press briefing held at Dhaka Cantonment in the afternoon, Director of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant Colonel Sami-ud-Daula Chowdhury, confirmed the arrests. He stated that the operation was executed by the 46th Independent Infantry Brigade following months of surveillance and covert intelligence gathering.
“The 100-hour-long operation began at 5:00 am on Tuesday and spanned locations in both Kushtia and Hatirjheel, Dhaka,” said Lt Col Sami. He identified the arrested individuals as leading figures of the Seven Star gang-one of 23 top-listed terrorist groups in the country.
“These individuals have long histories of involvement in murder, extortion, and sabotage,” he added. “This successful operation, carried out without casualties, is a testament to the professionalism and discipline of our armed forces.”
The operation was coordinated with support from the Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters, the 55th Infantry Division, the 14th Independent Engineer Brigade, the 71st Mechanised Brigade, and the National Security Intelligence (NSI).
Lt Col Sami concluded by calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest army camp or law enforcement agency.
“In line with the Army Chief’s directives, the Bangladesh Army remains resolutely committed to upholding internal security and safeguarding lives and property. We stand by the people and always will.”
