The army and police have uncovered an illegal firearms manufacturing workshop in Madhukhali, Faridpur, recovering weapons and equipment and arresting one man during a joint operation.
The raid was carried out on Friday evening in Dumain village of Dumain Union under Madhukhali upazila. The operation was led by the Madhukhali Army Camp, with support from the 15th Riverine Engineer Battalion and local police.
The arrested man was identified as Badal Sarkar, 52, a workshop mechanic and resident of Dumain village. Law enforcement officials said he has previous cases related to illegal weapons.
During the operation, the joint force recovered a single-barrel pipe gun, a 12-gauge cartridge, 14 recoil springs, two hammers, and various tools and equipment used to manufacture firearms, including a drill machine, pliers, blowers, and hacksaws.
Army sources said the Dumain area has long been suspected of illegal firearms production and supply. Intelligence reports indicated that Badal Sarkar had been manufacturing weapons in his workshop and supplying them to criminal groups across Faridpur. Officials added that demand for illegal weapons has increased ahead of the upcoming national elections.
Police sources confirmed that the suspect had been under surveillance prior to the raid. After the operation, he was handed over to Madhukhali Police Station along with the seized items, following legal procedures.
Fakir Taizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Madhukhali Police Station, said a case has been filed under the Arms Control Act. The accused will be produced before a court on Saturday.
Army officials said operations against illegal arms, drugs, and extortion will continue under a zero-tolerance policy in view of the 13th National Parliament elections. Members of the public have been urged to share information and cooperate with law enforcement to prevent such crimes.
