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Journalists Union, whose home is near the spot, said the Boalia Khal area has long been a hot spot for drug dealers and gangs.

“Clashes between the groups are frequent, and locals are often too afraid to speak out,” he told The Daily Star.

Lt Col HM Sajjad Hossain, commanding officer of Rab-11, said multiple drug spots were being operated in the area.

“As part of our zero-tolerance stance against drugs, we were gathering intelligence. The attackers, sensing our presence, organised and launched the assault,” he said.

Following the incident, additional Rab and police personnel conducted drives in nearby areas, but no arrests were confirmed.

In another incident yesterday, policemen in Rupganj came under attack after arresting a suspect in the Chonpara Rehabilitation Centre area.

The incident occurred around 5:00am when a team from Rupganj Police Station went to arrest Shamim Mia, a Jubo Dal leader, in connection with an arms case.

Officer-in-Charge AHM Salauddin said family members and associates of the accused obstructed the police and attacked them, freeing the arrestee.

At least seven police personnel, including the OC, were injured.

During the incident, the attackers also snatched a wireless set and two mobile phones from police. The wireless set was later recovered.

Shamim is the senior joint general secretary of Rupganj upazila Jubo Dal. He is accused of drug trade, among other crimes, in the Chonpara area following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024.

Later in the day, central Jubo Dal issued a press release expelling him from the organisation.

“Leaders and activists at all levels have been instructed to sever organisational ties with him,” the statement said, also urging law enforcement agencies to take necessary legal action.

Following the attack, a joint drive by police and Rab led to the detention of at least 12 people, including Shamim’s wife.

Police filed a case against them in connection with assaulting law enforcers and obstruction.

Mehedi Islam, senior assistant superintendent of police (Narayanganj circle-C), said Shamim was arrested at his home, but managed to escape after his associates confined the officers.

“Efforts are underway to re-arrest him.”