In the aftermath of the popular uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, police have recovered 1,097 weapons, 20,778 rounds of ammunition, and 71 sound grenades that were looted from various police stations and outposts across the country.
"A diverse range of arms, including 1,097 firearms, 20,778 rounds of ammunition, 1,482 tear gas shells, and 71 sound grenades have been recovered so far that were looted during the unrest," an official notice issued by the Police Headquarters on Tuesday (20 August).
The downfall of Sheikh Hasina was precipitated by a prolonged 36-day movement spearheaded by students demanding reform of the quota system in government jobs, which escalated into a mass uprising.
Faced with intense public pressure, Sheikh Hasina was ultimately compelled to resign on 5 August and fled the country later that day.
As students and citizens celebrated their hard-won victory, a faction of opportunistic miscreants exploited the chaos to attack, vandalise, and loot police stations in the capital and various other parts of the country.
During the looting spree, these elements made off with weapons, ammunition, and other government property, much of which has now been recovered.
