Sylhet witnessed intense unrest during the 2024 Anti-Discrimination Movement, with much of July marked by violence and fear. Police and supporters of the then-ruling party faced off against protesting students and civilians. Alongside the police, armed activists affiliated with the Awami League and its associated organizations were seen carrying firearms during clashes.
Following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the country on August 5, 2024, the Awami League government collapsed. The armed activists who had appeared publicly during the protests subsequently went into hiding. On the same day, firearms and ammunition were looted from several police stations and outposts across Sylhet.
Two years later, many of the illegal weapons reportedly displayed during the protests remain unrecovered, while those who carried them have largely evaded arrest. According to sources, many of the armed individuals fled to India after August 5, with some later traveling to other countries. A number of the looted police firearms also remain missing, raising concerns among local residents over public safety.
During the Anti-Discrimination Movement, on July 18, 2024, activists of the Chhatra League allegedly joined police in attacking protesting students and civilians in the Akhalia area of Sylhet city. On August 4, a day before the government's collapse, armed activists affiliated with the Awami League and its allied organizations reportedly arrived at the pre-announced protest venue at Court Point carrying sophisticated firearms.
Witnesses and local sources said at least 30 armed activists displayed firearms and fired shots at Court Point, creating panic among the public. They later moved through several areas, including Zindabazar, Ambarkhana and Nayasarak, allegedly brandishing weapons and spreading fear.
Meanwhile, police stations and outposts across Sylhet were looted on August 5, resulting in the loss of firearms and ammunition. Authorities say a portion of those looted weapons has yet to be recovered.
According to official sources, 101 firearms were looted from various police stations and outposts under the Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) on August 5, 2024. Of those, 85 have been recovered, while 16 remain missing.
SMP Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam said operations are continuing to recover the remaining illegal and looted firearms and to arrest those responsible.
Separately, Sylhet District Police reported that 31 firearms were looted from police stations under its jurisdiction. Superintendent of Police Dr. Chowdhury Md. Jaber Sadeq said 21 of those weapons have been recovered, adding that intelligence-led operations to recover the remaining firearms are ongoing.
Wing Commander Tajminur Rahman Chowdhury, Commanding Officer of RAB-9, said the force continues its operations to recover illegal and looted police weapons. He noted that RAB has recovered several looted police firearms, ammunition, sound grenades, tear gas shells and tear gas grenades during various operations, and that efforts to identify armed suspects and recover the remaining weapons are continuing.
