15% of weapons looted during July uprising still unrecovered: EC Sanaullah

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said that although 85 % of the weapons looted from police stations during and after the 2024 July uprising have been recovered, 15 % are yet to be retrieved.

Besides, 30% of the looted ammunition is still unrecovered.

He came up with the figures while holding a meeting with law enforcement agencies regarding the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum at the Chattogram Circuit House today (6 January).  

Sanaullah said, "Recovering looted weapons is crucial. A large portion of the ammunition is still missing. If these can be recovered, it will be easier to conduct the election smoothly."

Regarding the ongoing Devil Hunt-2 drive, he said operations have already been intensified, while joint forces will become more active after 15 January.

"Law enforcement agencies will do everything necessary to ensure a fair election environment," he said.

Sharing the initiatives to be taken to offer an accepted election, the election commissioner said that borders would be sealed off so that no new weapons can enter the country to disrupt the continued process.

Moreover, Rohingya camps would also be sealed to ensure they do not participate in election activities, and checkposts would be increased to tighten security for Rohingyas, he said, urging the law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant so that no party or group can get away with wrongdoing during the election.

Replying to a question over recurrences of killing in Raozan upazila, Chattogram Range Deputy Inspector General Ahsan Habib Palash said the latest killing was economic, not political.

He also sought public and media cooperation in recovering remaining looted weapons and controllingthe Rohingyas outside camps.