Joint forces led by the Bangladesh Army recovered 22 firearms and 822 rounds, seven crude bombs, locally made weapons and drugs in drives conducted across the country in January 16–22.

During the drives, joint forces also arrested 278 suspects, including suspected drug peddlers and addicts, members of robbery rings, teenage gangs and smugglers, said an Inter Services Public Relation Directorate press release issued on Friday.

ISPR said that the detainees were handed over to the police stations concerned after completing interrogation and legal proceedings.

The release said that the Bangladesh Army was conducting patrols and security drives in different parts of the country to ensure public security.

Besides the army is also working to calm worker unrest in industrial areas, ISPR added.

The ISPR called on the public to inform the nearest army camp of any suspicious development in their areas.

The army was deployed across the country besides the civilian law and order forces following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League regime on August 5, 2024 amid a student-led mass uprising.

On September 17, 2024, the interim government vested magistracy power to commissioned army officers operating under the district magistrates.