Joint forces detained 20 to 25 people during a large‑scale operation in Jungle Salimpur area of Sitakunda, Chattogram on Monday.
RAB‑7 Commander Lt Col Hafizur Rahman told a press briefing around 11:30am that the detentions were made for questioning.
The area is now under the control of law enforcement agencies, he added.
He reported that around 200 to 300 armed men attacked RAB members and other law enforcers in Alinagar area of Jungle Salimpur around 1am.
The attackers tried to obstruct the movement of RAB and joint forces by digging at least four large pits in the road between two camps. He noted the work was done within five to ten minutes, preventing vehicles from entering. Members later reached the scene on foot, but the main attackers escaped.
Joint forces comprising RAB, district police, RRF, and APBn were deployed to control the situation. Around 150 personnel are currently stationed in the area, which is now stable.
RAB official Hafizur said the suspects who were detained during the operation will face legal action if found involved with the attack, while the innocent will be released.
During the attack, the criminals detonated crude bombs and hurled stones, slightly injuring several RAB members. The commander dismissed rumours of any personnel being held hostage or missing, calling them misinformation.
He added that preliminary information suggests the attackers carried not only local weapons but also heavy firearms such as AK‑47s and rifles. A crude bomb was detonated in front of the camp.
The official highlighted that the biggest challenge in Alinagar is communication. It takes 30–40 minutes to reach the area from the main road via broken tracks, giving criminals time to flee into remote hill terrain.
They have their own informants who alert them in advance of any operations, particularly members of the “Yasin Group” who take positions in the hills behind Alinagar.
On the failure to arrest Yasin, Hafizur explained that geographical obstacles are significant. Yasin has not left Jungle Salimpur in the past eight to ten months. Intelligence is deployed, but whenever operations are attempted, he escapes deeper into the jungle. “If communication develops, we can catch him,” he said.
Asked how the assailants learn of operations beforehand, RAB official replied, “The people across this area are locals. When we enter Jungle Salimpur through the main road, it is common to see two men sitting outside. Their job is only to make a phone call and pass on information. For this, I don’t need anyone from the administration. That is how they get advance notice.”
“We are carrying out our operations. They attacked a security camp. This is a serious crime, and a case will be filed over the incident,” he added.
In the last 15 months, RAB has arrested 366 accused in murder cases along with numerous criminals. However, many secured bail and returned to commit crime, posing a major obstacle to law enforcement. He said swift trials will improve the situation, he further said.
Security has now been reinforced in the area as operations and surveillance continue.
