Detectives of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP)’s Lalbagh Division arrested an alleged arms dealer, Azgar Ali alias Bhola, 55, along with two foreign pistols and 21 rounds of ammunition on the Dhaka-Mawa highway in Shyampur on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner (DB-Lalbagh Division) Md Mostak Sarkar told reporters at the DMP Media Centre that the DB team had deployed a special operation in the Chankharpul area based on intelligence that an arms dealer was entering Dhaka via a Sohag Paribahan bus from Benapole.
Around 1:40pm, the team signalled the bus to stop near Bonoful Sweets on West Dholairpar and conducted a search in the presence of the bus supervisor and helper. Detectives recovered a silver-coloured pistol with two magazines taped in black from one side of Azgar’s waist, and a black pistol with two black-taped magazines from the other side. A total of 21 live rounds were also found in his trouser pocket. No contraband was recovered from his bag.
During preliminary questioning, Azgar revealed he hails from Benapole in Jashore. Police said he has a previous arms case filed with Khilgaon Police Station in 2021 and was arrested in 2024 in Savar with a large quantity of phensedyl.
Authorities suspect Azgar is a gun trader, but the source of the weapons and intended buyers in Dhaka remain under investigation. When asked if the arms were linked to the upcoming elections, DC Mostak said it is too early to confirm, but noted that the primary aim of such illegal weapons is to undermine law and order.
Further interrogation is underway to trace the origin and intended recipients of the firearms.
Source: UNB