Joint Forces Arrest 11 Terrorists, Seize Arms in Khulna

A joint forces team arrested 11 notorious terrorists, including gang leader Sheikh Palash, following a firefight in the Arambag area of Khulna early today. Some members of the joint forces sustained injuries during the clash, according to Md Ahsan Habib, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP).

The operation led to the seizure of several firearms and ammunition, including three pistols, one shotgun, a "Kata Banduk" (a type of gun), bullets, a Chinese axe, a chapati, and seven motorcycles.

Acting on a tip-off, the joint forces, comprising the Navy and police, launched the operation around 12:40 AM at the residence of Abdur Rahman in Arambag under Sonadanga police station. Upon discovering the law enforcement officers, the terrorists opened fire, prompting the joint forces to return fire and engage in a standoff for approximately four hours.

The arrested criminals were identified as gang leader Sheikh Palash, 30, Md Ariful, 27, Rubel Islam alias Kala Lavlu, 30, Fazle Rabbi Razon, 26, Mohammad Lion Sharif, 30, Imranuzzaman, 33, Ripon, 38, Imran, 35, Saikat Rahman, 27, Mohidul Islam, 35, and Golam Rabbani, 26, all from different parts of the city.

The arrested criminals, along with the injured police and navy personnel, were taken to local hospitals for treatment—Khulna Medical College Hospital for the criminals, Khulna Police Hospital for the injured officers, and the Navy Hospital for the naval personnel.

Gang leader Palash is a listed terrorist with the KMP and is linked to multiple criminal cases filed across various police stations in Khulna.