Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested Imam Hossain Mintu, the head of the notorious “Mintu Force”, during a special operation in the remote hills of Moheshkhali on Friday morning.
A large cache of firearms, ammunition, and weapon-making equipment was recovered during the raid in the Keruntoli area of Hoanak.
Lt Commander Sabbir Alam Suzan, media officer of Bangladesh Coast Guard, confirmed the details in a press briefing on Friday. He said acting on a tip-off regarding a gang manufacturing and supplying illegal firearms across the country, a coordinated team launched the drive on Friday.
The operation involved personnel from coast guard stations in Shahpuri, Teknaf, Baharchhara, Inani, Cox’s Bazar, and Moheshkhali.
During the raid on Mintu Force hideout, the coast guard seized five local single-barrel guns, nine local pistols, one foreign pistol magazine, 20 rounds of live ammunition, 12 rounds of live cartridges and four blank cartridges, one local weapon, three litres of local liquor, and significant quantities of firearm-making tools.
The arrested individual, 38-year-old Imam Hossain Mintu, is a resident of Hoanak in Moheshkhali. According to the coast guard, Mintu is a seasoned criminal facing at least 15 criminal cases.
His gang has been accused of creating a reign of terror in the region, involving themselves in piracy, attacks on tourists, robbery, and the illegal arms trade. The coast guard said the activities of this group had made life miserable for local fishermen and salt farmers in the eastern coastal areas of the country.
Lt Commander Suzan said the arrest is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of the seas for general fishermen. He added that the Bangladesh Coast Guard is implementing a “zero tolerance” policy against pirates and terrorists, mirroring the success achieved in the Sundarbans.
“Intelligence surveillance and patrol activities have been intensified to apprehend other members of this force”, the media officer added. Legal proceedings regarding the seized evidence and the arrested suspect are currently underway.
