Arms Smuggling Spikes Along Feni-Comilla Border Ahead of Polls: Who is Behind the Plot?
A specific circle has reportedly chosen the Feni and Comilla borders with India as their primary smuggling routes. Investigations suggest that over fifty individuals, including former leaders of the banned Chhatra League, have received specialized training to execute large-scale sabotage on election day.
Intelligence reports identify the masterminds behind these shipments as Alauddin Ahmed Chowdhury Nasim, a fugitive Awami League leader and former MP for Feni-1, and Mohibul Alam Majumdar Kanon, former Vice-President of Comilla South District Chhatra League and a close associate of former Railway Minister Mujibul Haque. Allegations suggest that at least seven influential Awami League leaders provided weapons training to a group of 50 in Agartala, India. This group reportedly includes two former Feni Chhatra League leaders. A major shipment consisting of 10 to 14 modern shotguns and pistols is believed to have entered the country via the Belonia border in Parshuram during the last week of December.
The investigation indicates that these weapons, originating from Assam, are entering through Belonia (Parshuram), Jammura and Harikil (Fulgazi), and Baganbari (Chhagalnaiya). Smuggling syndicates are allegedly receiving a commission of 30,000 BDT for each weapon transported. Intelligence agencies are maintaining close surveillance on four individuals: Safayet Ahmed Patwary Rakib and Sheikh Farid of Fulgazi, and Riyad and Bhutto of Feni Sadar. While Rakib was recently detained with Indian cosmetics, he denied involvement in arms trafficking. However, on Wednesday, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered a firearm along with two rounds of ammunition and two magazines in Chhagalnaiya, reinforcing the conspiracy claims.
According to Feni District Police, joint force operations over the last four months have resulted in the seizure of four local illegal firearms and the arrest of five suspects. Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Saiful Islam stated that intelligence surveillance has been intensified to thwart any subversion. Lt. Col. Mohammad Mosharaf Hossain, commander of 4-BGB in Feni, affirmed, “BGB and BSF are on high alert to maintain a fair election environment. We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal entry or arms smuggling.” As the election draws near, this "border tension" has sparked significant anxiety among general voters.
