Coast Guard, Navy net nine in Maheshkhali raid; arms recovered
A joint operation by the Bangladesh Coast Guard and the Navy in Maheshkhali has led to the arrest of nine alleged members of the so-called Zia Bahini, along with a cache of firearms, ammunition and weapons-making equipment, officials said on Saturday night.
Lt Cdr Siam-ul-Haq, Coast Guard media officer, said the raid followed intelligence that an armed group in Kalarmachhara had intimidated residents and illegally occupied salt fields and shrimp farms.
The joint force conducted coordinated sweeps around Samira Ghona, Mohammad Shah Ghona, Naya Para and Tek Para at 12:00pm on Saturday, 18 October 2025.
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Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested the following person Mohammad Ali (54), Manik (27), Gias Uddin (59), Salauddin (27), Shahidullah (52), Sabuj (27) and Atiqur Rahman (32) — all residents of Kalarmachhara; and Rizwan (24) and Nadim Uddin (35) — residents of Huanak Union, Maheshkhali.
The seized evidence and the detainees have been handed over to the authorities, and legal proceedings are underway, the Coast Guard said.
The force added it would continue operations to curb armed activity and protect local communities.
