Two individuals were arrested along with a seven-kilogram sunstone, two motorcycles, and various other items in Thakurgaon district today. The arrested are Dulal Hossain, 36, from Radhanagar Union in Atwari upazila and Kalim Uddin, 40, from the Chapati area of Ruhia upazila of the district. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) conducted an anti-smuggling operation at the Borshalpara Border Area in Aloyakhoya Union of Atwari upazila around 2:00am based on intelligence information. The detainees and the seized goods were handed over to Atwari Police Station. A case has been filed by the BGB, and preparations are underway to produce the detainees in court.
The operation was led by Lieutenant Colonel Khandaker Akhlakur Rahman, commander of the BGB Battalion 50, along with a regular patrol team from Borshalupara BOP. The seized sunstone, a type of gemstone ore often associated with smuggling activities, has a reported market value of Taka 7 lakh.
Lieutenant Colonel Khandaker Akhlakur Rahman emphasized that the BGB is implementing a "zero tolerance policy" to prevent drugs and smuggling, and such operations will continue in the future. Matiar Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Atwari Police Station, confirmed that a case has been filed and the detainees will be produced in court.
The arrest and seizure highlight ongoing efforts by Bangladeshi authorities to curb smuggling activities, which pose a significant challenge to the country's economy and security. Sunstone, being a valuable gemstone ore, is often targeted by smugglers looking to profit from illegal trade.
