SRB arrests 634 ‘criminals’ in 8 months in Khulna

KHULNA, Sept 21: Special Response Battalion (SRB), the defunct RAB, arrested 634 alleged criminals and recovered arms, ammunition and drugs in operations from January through August 2026, according to the SRB-6 media wing in Khulna. 

The force also rescued 35 victims during the period.

The operations resulted in the seizure of 46 illegal firearms, 195 rounds of ammunition, 13 magazines, 84 bombs and cocktails.

SRB also seized 1,956 bottles of Phensedyl, 42,019 yaba tablets, 323.2 kilograms of hemp, 238.84 litres of local liquor, 1,239 bottles of Fairdyl, 1.51 kilograms of ice, 6,995 bottles of Eskuf syrup, 22,824 Tapentadol tablets, 15,298 bottles of Wincerex and 96,000 pieces of Indian Pata Biri.

In one notable operation, SRB-6 arrested Chhabur Sheikh, 51, an alleged supplier of arms, food and other essentials to the Chhoto Jahangir pirate gang, during an operation in Rampal Upazila of Bagerhat in June. Officers recovered three one-shot guns from him.

In another operation in the Betkashi area of Koyra Upazila in Khulna, the force arrested Azharul, also known as Khanzakhan Ali, 40, an armed pirate accused in several robbery cases. Officers recovered two one-shot guns and 36 rounds of live ammunition from him.

Lt Col Nistar Ahmed, commander of SRB-6 in Khulna, told The Daily Observer that security forces have been conducting regular operations to maintain security in the Khulna region and curb criminal activity.

Nistar said intelligence surveillance, regular operations and sustained anti-piracy drives by SRB and other law enforcement agencies led 59 pirates from five active gangs in the Sundarbans to surrender to SRB-6 on August 31, 2026. Following the surrender, officers conducted special operations in the forest and recovered 59 firearms and 541 rounds of live ammunition allegedly used in piracy.

Nistar said the surrender could improve the security of forest-dependent people, facilitate safer movement for tourists and boost economic activity around the Sundarban.

He said the Sundarban is a major source of livelihood for about 25 lakh people living in the country’s south-western coastal region.