9 KNF members held with firearms: ISPR

A total of nine members of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) were arrested during coordinated operations led by the Bangladesh Army in various areas of Ruma upazila in Bandarban.

The joint force also recovered nine firearms and ammunition from their possessions, Inter-Services Public Relations said in a press release on Tuesday afternoon.

Two branches of Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank were attacked by a group of armed hoodlums in Thanchi of Bandarban on 3 April hours after the armed robbers targeted Sonali Bank's Ruma branch.

A manager of Sonali Bank's Ruma branch was kidnapped and over Tk17.5 lakh was stolen from two bank branches in Thanchi.

They also looted firearms from security officers of the banks. The robbers are suspected to be members of the KNF.

Later, the kidnapped manager was released by the KNF after a hefty ransom was paid.

Later, the Bangladesh Army, Rapid Action Battalion, Bangladesh Police, and Bangladesh Border Guard launched a joint operation to eliminate the KNF from Bandarban.