A joint operation led by the Bangladesh Coast Guard resulted in the arrest of an associate of the notorious Karim Sharif dacoit gang and the recovery of arms and ammunition during Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2.
The arrest was confirmed by the Coast Guard Media Officer, Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, on Thursday afternoon.
Acting on a tip-off, members of BCG Base Mongla initially apprehended a suspect from the Picnic Corner area adjacent to Mongla Nala at 1pm on 28 January 2026. The arrested individual has been identified as Russell Hawladar, 40, a resident of Morelganj under Bagerhat district.
According to the Coast Guard, Hawladar had been assisting the Karim Sharif gang for a long period by participating in robberies and providing the group with weapons, ammunition, and logistics.
Following information obtained during his initial interrogation, a joint team comprising the Bangladesh Coast Guard, Navy, and Police conducted a follow-up raid in the area at 9am on 29 January 2026.
During the drive, security forces recovered two single-barrel guns and eight rounds of live cartridges from a wooden boat belonging to another associate named Mosharraf.
Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq stated that legal proceedings against the arrested associate and the seizure of the weaponry are currently underway. He further asserted that the Coast Guard remains committed to continuing such operations to ensure the Sundarbans remains free from dacoity.
