Two years on, 22 weapons looted from Bogura police station still missing

On the afternoon of August 5, 2024, protesters of the July movement set fire to the Bogura Sadar Police Station. Various structures and equipment at the station were gutted in the fire. Some miscreants among the protesters entered the station and looted 39 firearms of various types from the armoury. While 17 of the weapons have been recovered, the remaining 22 are yet to be found, raising concerns among locals .

Bogura Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ibrahim Ali confirmed the matter on Wednesday, August 5.

Meanwhile, the fact that 22 of the looted weapons are still missing has sparked concern among the conscious quarters. There are fears that miscreants could use these arms at any time to commit major crimes.

It is learned that the 39 firearms looted from Bogura Sadar Police Station included 5 pistols, 12 rifles, 5 SMGs and LMGs, and 17 shotguns. Of these, 17 have been recovered so far. The remaining 22 are yet to be traced.

It is known that the anti-discrimination movement in Bogura began on July 16 during the 2024 protests. On the afternoon of August 5, when news of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's departure from the country spread, the general public joined the student-people's movement in Bogura. At that time, unruly miscreants attacked various government and private establishments, including the Sadar Police Station, Sadar Land Office, Sadar Upazila Parishad, district Awami League office and banks.

The miscreants also attacked the Sadar Police Station located on Poet Nazrul Islam Road in the city. With the assistance of the army, police personnel left the station while firing. Later, the protesters entered the Sadar Police Station and carried out widespread vandalism, looting and arson. During this time, miscreants looted 39 firearms from the station's armoury, including rifles, shotguns, Chinese rifles, SMGs and LMGs.

Kalam Azad, general secretary of Bogura Press Club, said, "Most of the arms looted by miscreants from Bogura Sadar Police Station are yet to be recovered. This is a matter of concern. Criminals could commit crimes using these weapons. Therefore, the district police need to take initiatives to recover the arms quickly."