Bangladesh Army personnel have arrested the infamous cattle smuggler known as “Shahin the Bandit” along with two of his associates during a joint operation in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday morning. Security forces recovered a significant arsenal, including a locally-made firearm, three single-barrel guns, 10 rounds of ammunition, 20,000 yaba pills, and multiple sharp-edged weapons during the raid.
According to an army press release, the detained individuals opened indiscriminate fire during the operation, but no casualties occurred. The arrested suspects face more than 20 pending cases across various police stations for serious crimes, including murder, armed robbery, abduction, and sabotage.
The operation specifically targeted Shahin’s smuggling network which had dramatically increased illegal cattle trade in the Naikhongchhari area ahead of Eid-ul-Adha celebrations. Military officials confirmed that acting on precise intelligence led to the successful apprehension of Shahin the Bandit.
This marks the second major arrest for Shahin, who was previously detained by law enforcement in 2023 for multiple offenses before securing bail. The notorious gang leader stands accused of establishing what authorities describe as a “reign of terror” across Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari, Gorjonia and adjacent border regions through murder, extortion, drug trafficking and other violent crimes.