Joint forces launched a large-scale drive in Jungle Salimpur of Chattogram’s Sitakunda upazila early Monday to crack down on criminals and recover illegal weapons.
The operation began around 5am under directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Members of the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), army and other law enforcement agencies joined the operation and moved into different parts of the area in separate teams.
The operation includes personnel from the army, RAB-7, RAB-11, RAB-15, police units from various districts under the Chattogram Metropolitan and Range, as well as members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). In total, around 3,500 law enforcement officers, led by the army, are participating.
Jungle Salimpur covers nearly 3,100 acres of hilly terrain. Its remote location has given it a reputation as a “safe haven” for criminals. Currently, about 150,000 people live in 20,000 to 25,000 households, most of whom migrated here from different parts of the country.
Authorities have long identified the hilly and remote Jungle Salimpur area as a hideout for criminals.
The area has also become known for illegal arms storage and sheltering fugitives. Law enforcement agencies launched the operation based on recent intelligence reports and a series of incidents in the locality.
District police Public Relations Officers (PROs) Md Russell confirmed the drive.
He said, “Joint forces are carrying out operations across the district to arrest criminals and recover illegal weapons. A drive is also underway in Jungle Salimpur. The operation will continue depending on the situation.”
Law enforcement sources said the forces divided into several teams to conduct the raid. One team searched residential settlements at the foothills. Another team moved along steep hill tracks to reach higher ground.
Authorities also set up checkpoints on possible escape routes to prevent suspects from fleeing the area.
According to source, Jungle Salimpur contains numerous hill streams, dense bushes and many abandoned houses. Criminals often use these locations as hiding places. Members of the forces therefore moved in small groups and searched different sections of the hills. In several places, the narrow hill paths allow only a few people to move at a time.
The teams advanced step by step while conducting the operation.
On 19 January, members of RAB-7 faced a violent attack while carrying out a drive in Jungle Salimpur. Local assailants beat four RAB personnel severely during the incident. RAB officer Abdul Motaleb later died.
Following that attack, law enforcement agencies placed the area under close surveillance. Investigation sources said several accused in the case are believed to be hiding in the hills. Authorities strengthened monitoring in the area after receiving intelligence about their presence.
