DHAKA: In a suspected move to halt the war crimes trial, huge amounts of firearms and foreign currencies are being brought into the country through at least 10 routes, according to intelligence sources.
The smugglers of firearms managed to escape the eyes of the law-enforcing agencies, including border guards and coastguards, in their supply chain of illegal firearms that include Arges grenade, high-explosive items, AK-47 and AK-56.
Recently, elite crime busters RAB seized some 20 Arges during their whirlwind swoops on some bordering areas.
“A section of law enforcers were assisting smugglers for some extras,” competent sources said.
The government also identified 10 sensitive border routes being used for the gunrunning. The routes are: Teknaf, Jaintapur, Chhatak, Sherpur, Madhabpur, Akhaura, Potia, Godagari, Dinajpur and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
According to a source close to the National Committee on Prevention of Smuggling, some foreign organizations were providing financial assistance in bringing the illegal weapons in the country.
The sources named the suspected organizations as Al Haramine Foundation, Albhi Foundation, Rabita Trust, Muslim Arab Youth Foundation, Global Relief Foundation, Islamic Relief Organization, Muslim Student Association, World Assembly of Muslim Youth and Islamic African Relief Association.
A high official of the Home Ministry told banglanews24.com.bd that the State Department of the United States has recently alerted Bangladesh on the matter of influx of money and munitions.
According to an intelligence report, 26 border points were marked as ‘vulnerable’ and ‘safe routes’ for smuggling arms and ammunition.
The points are Habiganj Satchhari border, Gahira and adjacent areas of Anwara Thana near Chittagong port, North and East ghats of Maheskhali, Dublar Char near Sundarbans, Bhomra and Kaliganj points of Satkhira, Charghat Yusufpur of Rajshahi and Roumari of Kurigram.
The report also recommended strong vigilance by the intelligence and stepping up move against illegal arms trade.
Nine other points near Mymensingh Garo Hill were also identified as the most dangerous routes for smuggling grenade.
The conduits are Chhoto Gajni and Baro Gajni at Jhinaigati upazila of Sherpur, Baromari under Haluaghat Thana of Mymensingh, Ersadnagar and Karnajora of Dhobaura, Ghoshgaon- Baligaon, Gopalpur of Durgapur in Netrakona, Bijoypur and Hilly areas of Lengura in Kamlakanda.
Sources at the Prime Minister’s Office said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was annoyed at the officials of the government departments concerned as they were yet to finalise the list of smugglers and money launderers.
She had also asked them to install scanners at land and seaports, which is yet to be implemented.
Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury Saturday said, “Hefty amounts of money have been brought into the country from abroad to halt trial of the war criminals.”
An evil force was active to save the war criminals and to destroy the democratic force, she said while addressing a seminar organised at the LGED auditorium marking the International Aboriginals Day.
BDST: 2000 HRS, AUGUST 7, 2010.
