NETROKONA, Jun 9: Law enforcers have found materials for making bombs at a fish farm they suspect was being used as a militant hideout in Netrokonas Sadar Upazila.
Nearly 150 police personnel, alongside members of a bomb disposal unit from Dhaka, entered the farm around 8:30am on Sunday. Md Shah Abid Hossain, Deputy Inspector General of the Mymensingh range, told reporters, "We found extremist propaganda materials, explosives, detonators, and many training materials."
"We believe they were providing intense training because we found different types of materials. I can speak in detail yet. Our counter-terrorism units bomb disposal unit is at work. We will tell you everything later."
In response to a question, he said, "Its not like you can go in and check things one by one. Its very dangerous as there are explosives. Those who are working now have to go in fool-proof protective suits. Allah forbid, if there is an accident, it will be a serious disaster."
The police official said, "Usually we work with experts in these cases. That is why our bomb disposal unit is working."
Asked when the operation could be completed, the DIG said, "It is not yet possible to say how long it may take. But it may take all day today."
Netrokona Additional Superintendent of Police Harunur Rashid said 150 members of the police, including the bomb disposal unit and anti-terrorism unit, arrived from Dhaka at 8:30am.
Law enforcers started the operation at the fish farm in Bhashapara village at 1:00pm on Saturday. Police had previously planned a raid there on Friday. A pistol, 17 bullets and a walkie-talkie were recovered from the scene, but no one was found. It is believed that the residents had already fled.
Bhashapara village is about seven kilometres away from the Netrokona district town. The connectivity in the area is good, but the fish farm is located in a quiet area on one side of the village. On one side is a Haor.
