Bangladesh Army arrested three people, including a leader of the Swechchasebak Dal, along with firearms and ammunition during an operation in Chapain area of Savar.
The arrestees were SM Galib Imtiaz Nahid, identified as the joint general secretary of the central body of the Swechhasebak Dal, Robiul Islam Babu alias Machine Babu, and Masud Rana Alvi alias Shooter Masud.
The army also said that another associate, Swapon Sheikh, escaped before the operation.
Lt Colonel Nazim Ahmed, commanding officer of the 23 East Bengal Regiment, disclosed the details at a press briefing held at Basila Army Camp on Monday.
Lt Col Nazim Ahmed said the operation was launched based on information obtained from earlier detainees.
During the operation in Savar, three terrorists were arrested with a large quantity of local and foreign weapons, he said. However, another associate, Swapon, escaped before the raid.
The army recovered three 7.65mm pistols, four pistol magazines, 15 rounds of 7.65mm ammunition, five rounds of 6.35mm ammunition, six shotgun cartridges, eight machetes and five samurai swords from the suspects.
The officer added that Swapon and Nahid have long been involved in selling various local and foreign weapons.
A raid on their hideout led to the recovery of the pistols and a large number of local weapons, and the arrest of three individuals, he said.
Local sources said Nahid serves as the joint general secretary of the Swechchasebak Dal. They also noted that he was previously arrested several years ago from a residential hotel in Radio Colony area of Savar, along with weapons and a woman.
The army further stated that a total of 22,000 Yaba tablets were recovered in two separate operations.
