Sarwar Azam Manik,Cox’s Bazar
A total of 96 pirates of 18 gangs of Maheshkhali upazila formally surrendered by handing over arms to Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Saturday.
They put down 155 firearms, 28 rounds of bullets and 255 cartridges to return to normal life at a function at Kalarmarchhara Government Primary School ground at Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar.
At the function, the 96 robbers were given Taka 50,000 each as donation as part of the government’s initiative to bring them back to normal life.
The home minister said, “No quarter for anyone. He may be a Member of Parliament, a politician, a member of the administration or an important figure. We are bringing anyone against whom there are allegations to the docks. That is why Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is not only a leader of Bangladesh but a leader of the whole world.”
“Those who have never surrendered, here is the time to surrender. Otherwise, the consequence will be dire. We have everyone's name. We thank all those who have surrendered. The government is ready for your employment”, he added.
The Home Minister also said, “Those who have surrendered to the law, the government will look into their matters except cases regarding murder and rape. However, if there are such cases, the court will pass judgment as it sees fit.”
Meanwhile, the locals said, with the chief arms traffickers and sea borne pirates surrendering a state of peace will come to Maheshkhali and Kutubdia coastal areas. However, if the remaining criminals are brought to law then peace will fully be restored at the coastal areas.
Later around 10:30am, men from Ayub Bahini, Badaiya Bahini, Gura Kalu Bahini, Kala Jahangir Bahini, Zia Bahini, Karim Bahini, Siraj Bahini, Swapan Bahini, Minthu Bahini, Abu Shama Bahini and Noor Mohammad Bahini totaling to 96 people surrendered themselves. Each of them were given flowers following their surrender.
At the same time, the pirates surrendered thirteen rifles, 1 locally made double barrel shot gun, 141 single barreled guns, and 28 rifle rounds and 255 cartridges. Also, various types of materials used to manufactured weapons were also handed over.
Also, Inspector General of Bangladesh Police (IGP) Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary said. Mohammad Javed Patwari, Chattogram range DIG Golam Faruk, Chakaria-Pekua Member of Parliament Jafor Alam, Maheskhali-Kutubadiya Member of Parliament Ashek Ullah Rafiq, Cox's Bazar Sadar-Ramu seat MP Saimum Sarwar Kamal, Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Ashraful Afsar, Cox's Bazar Zila Parishad Chairman Mostak Ahmed Chowdhury, District Police Superintendent ABM Masud Hossain, Cox's Bazar District Awami League President Adv Sirajul Mostafa, General Secretary and Cox's Bazar Municipality Mayor Mujibur Rahman, Cox's Bazar district community police chief journalist Tofail Ahmed and many others were present.
The Home Minister handed over a special crest to the surrender mediator Special Correspondent of Ananda TV Akram Hossain on behalf of the district police.
