During an ongoing joint operation led by the Bangladesh Army, nine additional suspected members of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) were apprehended along with nine firearms in a remote hilly area under Ruma upazila in Bandarban.

The arrests come in response to recent incidents of bank robbery, abduction, and other unlawful activities in Bandarban district. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) confirmed the arrests through a media release, stating that the KNF members were also found in possession of ammunition during the operation.

On April 2, the group had kidnapped Md Nezam Uddin, the manager of the Sonali Bank branch in Ruma upazila, attempting to loot Tk 1.5 crore from the branch's vault. However, they were unsuccessful in their attempt to take the money. Subsequently, they carried out robberies at Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank branches in Thanchi upazila of Bandarban the following day.

Following these incidents, senior officials from the home ministry, security forces, and administration visited the area. Eight cases have been filed with Ruma and Thanchi police stations in connection with these crimes.

On April 7, a joint operation led by the army was launched in the hilly district, resulting in the arrest of a significant number of KNF members, including their chief coordinator Cheusim Bawm.