Dhaka, Sep 30 (V7N) – Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has said that 1,350 police weapons reported missing have not yet been recovered, raising concerns that they may have fallen into the hands of armed groups in the hilly areas and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

He made the disclosure on Tuesday morning while briefing the media on security measures during the ongoing Durga Puja.

The IGP said police are continuing efforts to recover the missing arms. He also stressed that law enforcement will take a tougher stance if necessary to ensure that the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections are held peacefully and fairly.

According to him, 150,000 police officers will receive training on professional skills and impartiality ahead of the elections, which are scheduled for early next year. “We are hopeful the police will be able to fulfill their election duties properly,” he added.

On the Puja security front, Baharul Alam reported that 49 minor incidents occurred across the country, leading to 15 cases being filed and 19 arrests made. None of these incidents, he noted, disrupted festivities, as law enforcement agencies managed them promptly and peacefully.

The IGP further warned that if anyone attempts to create unrest at puja mandaps nationwide, the police will respond with strict action.

END/SMA/AJ