Police in Bangladesh have detained more than 141,000 individuals in a nationwide crackdown on criminal activity, illicit firearms, and narcotics networks. The comprehensive operation forms part of a zero-tolerance policy introduced by the government to rebuild public confidence and enforce the rule of law.
Figures released by Police Headquarters show that between 1 May and 27 July, police took 141,989 people into custody. The total includes 39,267 arrests made during targeted special operations, alongside 102,722 detentions related to ongoing criminal cases and regular patrol duties.
During the three-month campaign, law enforcement agencies seized a substantial quantity of illegal weapons and ammunition. Officers recovered 325 firearms, including pistols, shotguns, and revolvers, as well as 638 locally crafted weapons, 2,802 rounds of live ammunition, and various explosives.
Anti-narcotics teams also recorded significant seizures across the country. Officers confiscated over 9.1 million yaba tablets alongside heroin, cannabis, and illegal liquor. The enforcement drives led to the registration of 17,066 drug-related cases and the arrest of 24,821 suspects.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that joint operations involving the police, the Rapid Action Battalion, the Department of Narcotics Control, and intelligence services have been active since May. He stated that the government remains committed to maintaining public safety and dismantling organised criminal syndicates through strict legal measures.
As part of efforts to modernise policing, authorities have expanded high-tech surveillance along major transport routes. Extensive closed-circuit television networks now monitor the Dhaka-Chattogram and Dhaka-Mawa highways.
Highway Police Additional Inspector General Faruk Ahmed explained that the entire Dhaka-Chattogram corridor has been brought under camera coverage, with artificial intelligence systems deployed at 16 key locations. The centralised monitoring network detects robberies, tracks smuggling rings, and prevents highway extortion.
Crime and Operations Additional Inspector General Khondoker Rafiqul Islam said officers are conducting frequent patrols and targeted raids. He noted that law enforcement teams are maintaining a rapid response strategy to curb criminal activity.
Senior officials have urged officers to maintain strict standards of conduct during field duties. Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir called on personnel to remain firm against crime while demonstrating professionalism and respect for human rights.
In the capital, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed instructed officers to focus on illegal firearms, extortion, and street crime. He added that the department has implemented a system to reward exceptional service while imposing disciplinary actions on officers found guilty of duty negligence. Metropolitan officers are currently arresting an average of 400 suspects daily as part of the ongoing operations.
