A large-scale joint operation has been launched by law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal hideouts and networks in Jungle Salimpur of Sitakunda upazila in Chattogram. The operation is being conducted under the initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the coordination of the Bangladesh Army, Police, RAB, BGB and various intelligence agencies.
The operation began in the early hours of Monday (March 9) under strict secrecy. Before dawn, a large number of law enforcement personnel surrounded all entry points of Jungle Salimpur and began combing the hill area and settlements in several teams.
According to sources, around 3,000 to 4,000 members of different law enforcement agencies are taking part in the operation. Participants include army personnel, a large number of police members, RAB, APBn and BGB. Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), dog squads and other special equipment are also being used to support the operation.
The operation is being carried out based on intelligence provided by DGFI, with the main objective of dismantling the criminal networks operating in Jungle Salimpur. For years, several armed groups have allegedly dominated the remote hill area, engaging in land grabbing, extortion and illegal arms activities.
A law enforcement source said that on January 19, a RAB team came under attack while conducting an operation to arrest criminals in Jungle Salimpur. In that attack, RAB-7’s Assistant Director Motaleb Hossain Bhuiyan was killed, while several other members were injured. Following the incident, authorities had been preparing for a major crackdown in the area.
Jungle Salimpur is located on the northern side of Bayezid Link Road, about 15–20 minutes from Chattogram city, covering nearly 3,100 acres of hilly terrain. Thousands of houses have been built in the area, where more than a hundred thousand people currently live. Due to its difficult geography and long-standing lack of administrative control, the area has often been referred to by locals as “a country within a country.”
Law enforcement officials say the operation is being conducted while ensuring the safety of local residents. According to sources, the drive may continue for some time depending on the situation on the ground.