Sylhet, Sep 04 (V7N) - In Sylhet, following the anti-discrimination student protests, Chhatra League leaders and activists who opposed the movement have gone into hiding after the government's collapse. These armed individuals, previously seen at the forefront of protests alongside top leaders in Sylhet, were heavily armed and were also reported to have fired on students as well as police. The joint forces' operation, which began on Wednesday (September 4), aims to recover firearms used against student protesters and apprehend the armed suspects, as anticipated by the vigilant citizens of Sylhet.

It has been reported that from July 15 to August 4, student protesters were targeted with a range of weapons, including pistols, shotguns, rifles, and even sniper rifles by Chhatra League, Jubo League, and volunteer league operatives. Images and videos of these armed assailants have circulated widely on social media. While the police have acknowledged the use of pellet guns, sound grenades, and tear gas, they have denied the use of lethal bullets. Nonetheless, over a hundred students and civilians in Sylhet were injured by gunfire during the protests, with many still suffering from severe injuries caused by the lethal weapons. Additionally, over fifty people have been injured by sharp weapons wielded by these assailants.

Investigations reveal that during the recent student protests in Sylhet, many illegal weapons used by Awami League operatives included a controversial firearm. Some claim it was an AK-47, others call it an MR-16, while some refer to it as a sniper rifle. This weapon, previously unseen on Sylhet's streets, has been used with unprecedented severity. Although firearms have been used in past conflicts during Awami League’s 16-year rule, such dangerous weapons have never been deployed against opponents before. From August 2 to August 4, these weapons were displayed, resulting in fatalities and severe injuries, with many still fighting for their lives. The weapon was carried by an individual named Shiplu, also known as Ruhul Amin. Shiplu, relatively unknown until now, became notable for his involvement with this weapon during the protests. He has already been named in a legal case.

Further investigation reveals that Shiplu resides in the UK and is involved in Awami League's affiliated political activities. Known as a close associate of former mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, Shiplu's home is in Nabiganj, Habiganj district. He arrived in Sylhet on July 20 and joined the protests armed with advanced weaponry to confront opponents.

Protesters have reported that the first display of such weapons began at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST). The presence of these weapons then spread throughout Sylhet, even reaching residential neighborhoods.

It has been found that during the student movement at Shahjalal University, both sharp and firearms were used against students. Later, as Chhatra League members retreated from the campus, general students discovered two pistols in Room 423 of Shahporan Hall’s C Block, previously belonging to Amit Shah, Chhatra League’s organizational secretary. Starting August 2, when students began protests at the university gate and Madina Market, Jubo League and Chhatra League cadres began displaying weapons openly. On August 3, during a police chase, student Rudra Sen drowned. On that day, while police were retreating, youth and Chhatra League members fired continuously in Surma Residential Area, causing widespread alarm.

Witnesses report that the most severe incidents occurred on August 4, with rampant gunfire in Court Point, Zindabazar, Bandar Bazar, and Chouhatta areas. Even Deputy Police Commissioner Azbahar Ali Sheikh and Assistant Commissioner Sadek Kausar Dostagir witnessed the open display of illegal weapons. On August 4, following an announcement on August 3, anti-discrimination student movement leaders gathered at Court Point. Later, with the police clearing the area, the Awami League took control, and armed cadres from various Awami factions began showing their weapons, engaging in multiple rounds of gunfire. During this time, Shiplu’s deadly weapon became widely known, alongside others like Aftab, Jahangir, Debangshu Das Mithu, Abdul Alim Tushar, and Abdul Hannan, who were active in various city locations with armed groups.

Additionally, Senior Vice President of the District Volunteer League, Piyush Kanti Dey, and his team were armed, with one of his associates carrying a highly discussed double-barrel gun. Jubo League leaders, including Zaheed, Munim Akhili, Sajal Das Anik, Shanto, and others, were also involved in firing, according to local reports.

On August 5, the day marked for Sheikh Hasina's expected departure, criminals attacked and vandalized nearly every police station across the country, looting weapons. The interim government set a deadline of September 3 for the return of these weapons. The current government has also suspended licenses for civilian firearms since August 25, setting a deadline for their return by September 3. With many weapons still not returned, a nationwide operation by joint forces will commence from September 4. Authorities have issued warnings and announcements in Sylhet to prepare for the operation.

According to the Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP), the joint forces, composed of the Army, Police, RAB, BGB, and Ansar battalions, led by Lt. Colonel Alif, will conduct operations to recover illegal weapons. SMP Media Officer Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam confirmed that the interim government had canceled all legal firearm licenses from January 6, 2009, to August 5, 2024. Following the August 5 uprising, there were attacks and vandalism at various police stations in Sylhet, with 101 missing weapons reported in six city police stations. Of these, 80 have been recovered, while 21 remain missing. Among the 246 licensed weapons in SMP areas, over a hundred have been surrendered. The operation will continue to recover all illegal weapons used in previous incidents, with ample intelligence available for the operation.

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