Gunshots heard at Narsingdi 'militant den'

Several gunshots were heard this morning at one of two suspected militant dens which have been cordoned off by law enforcers in Sadar upazila of Narsingdi since last night.

Teams of counter-terrorism unit in association with Lawful Interception Cell (LIC) of police headquarters took position surrounding two buildings in Shekerchar and Gangpar areas of the upazila since last night.

Around 26 rounds of gunshots were fired in four minutes at the militant hideout at Bhogirothpur Chairman Market area in Shekerchar around 11:40am. Earlier, around 11:05am two gunshots were heard in the area.

Members of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team were seen on the rooftop of the five-storey building suspected as the militant hideout in Shekerchar area around 11:15am.

“More than one militant is possibly holed up inside the den at Bhogirothpur Chairman Market area,” Monirul Islam, chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, said while briefing journalists this morning.

Meanwhile, law enforcers have also cordoned off a seven-storey building in Madhabdi Boro Masjid area at Gangpar of Narsingdi.

“People living in and around the militant den have been evacuated to a safer place so that there is no collateral damage,” said Monirul while disclosing details of the situation in Shekerchar area.

“Initially, we will try to negotiate with them to surrender but if it fails, we will prepare to launch a drive,” added Monirul.

Meanwhile, another CTTC official said at least nine families were removed to safety from the five-storey building at Bhogirothpur Chairman Market in Shekerchar area.

Source: thedailystar