Security forces launch sweep across Cumilla over suspected sabotage plot

Law enforcement agencies have launched a district-wide crackdown in Cumilla following intelligence reports of a possible sabotage plot targeting the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway ahead of December.

Police and intelligence agencies have intensified surveillance and searches along the 103-kilometre Cumilla stretch of the highway, identifying 14 strategic locations as potential hotspots for vandalism and arson.

According to intelligence sources and local information, leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations, including Chhatra League and Jubo League, are allegedly attempting to organise activities with the support and funding of fugitive party leaders.

Several Chhatra League and Jubo League leaders and activists have already been arrested in connection with the suspected plot.

The 14 locations identified as vulnerable are Shaheednagar, Eliotganj, Putia, Tirchar and Gomta in Daudkandi upazila; Madhaiya and Katherpul in Chandina; Nimsar and Kabilla in Burichang; Saidpur, Alekhar Char and Kotbari in Cumilla Adarsha Sadar; Paduar Bazar in Sadar Dakshin; and Alkora in Chauddagram.

Investigators fear that miscreants could use isolated locations, particularly at night, to target long-distance vehicles with crude bombs, vandalise vehicles and set them on fire.

Police reportedly obtained important leads about the alleged plans while questioning recently arrested Chhatra League and Jubo League activists. Regular operations are being conducted based on the information, with security strengthened along the highway.

Cumilla Detective Branch Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shamsul Alam Shah said intelligence reports suggested that leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations were planning sabotage along the Cumilla section of the highway in December.

He said police were identifying suspects through information technology and covert surveillance, adding that several people had already been arrested.

The crackdown would continue until all aspects of the alleged sabotage plans were addressed, he added.

Superintendent of Police of the Highway Police's Cumilla Region Manzur Morshed said highway police and district police were maintaining the highest level of alert to ensure security.

Special patrols and searches have been intensified around the clock across the 103-kilometre stretch, including the 14 identified locations, he said.

Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's announced plan to return to Bangladesh in December.

Her return faces legal and political obstacles, as the Awami League's political activities remain banned and she is staying in India following her ouster from power.

Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition under the 2013 extradition treaty with India, but New Delhi has yet to respond.

Another possible route would be for her to seek a passport or travel pass from the Bangladesh government, although approval remains uncertain.

Awami League leaders, however, claim Hasina has discussed her return with her family, Indian authorities and party leaders. The party's spokesperson Mohammad Ali Arafat has also said she intends to return in December despite the risks.

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