Businessmen Provided Free Home Delivery of Choppers and Samurai Swords

The Bangladesh Army uncovered a secret godown in Dhaka’s New Market area containing such weapons.

The Bangladesh Army has seized not one or two but 1,100 choppers and samurai swords, which were being supplied free of charge to robbers and extortionists by organized businessmen. These sharp weapons were stored and distributed daily to miscreants. On Sunday, the army discovered such a secret godown in the New Market area of the capital.

On Saturday (August 9) night, these local weapons were displayed during a briefing at the army camp of Suhrawardy Medical College.

A large table was lined with shiny choppers, samurai swords, and various local weapons, each of significant size. These intricately crafted, sharp weapons were equipped with comfortable handles for easy gripping. In the New Market area, such large-sized choppers and samurai swords are sold in household goods stores. However, ordinary customers cannot purchase them. Dishonest businessmen in New Market sell these weapons only to specific individuals or through home delivery. The army reported recovering over 1,100 choppers and samurai swords from three shops in New Market. While most of these weapons were delivered within Dhaka, businessmen also supplied them across the country. Members of teenage gangs and terrorists used these weapons for robbery and extortion. Lieutenant Colonel Nazim Ahmed, Commander of the 23rd East Bengal Regiment, shared these details during the briefing. He said, “If an ordinary person tries to buy large-sized choppers or samurai swords, dishonest businessmen in New Market refuse to sell them. These weapons are sold only to specific individuals. For home delivery, the weapons are carefully packed and delivered, as terrorists fear being caught by army or police checkpoints while transporting them from New Market.” He added that while home delivery was more common in Dhaka, businessmen also supplied these weapons nationwide. Lieutenant Colonel Nazim Ahmed further stated, “Robberies, extortion, and teenage gang activities are rampant in Dhaka city. The army has arrested many suspects, and samurai-like weapons have been recovered from them. CCTV footage and viral videos also show incidents of robbery, injury, and even murder using these choppers and samurai swords.” “Based on intelligence, the army learned that these choppers and samurai swords were being supplied to terrorists. They were sold secretly, sometimes even rented out, and in some cases, provided through free home delivery,” he said. He continued, “Many arrested terrorists confessed to the army that they received these sharp weapons. Following this, the army conducted intelligence operations and recovered over 1,100 choppers and samurai swords from three shops in New Market.” The army officer added, “These choppers and samurai swords were sold secretly and were not displayed in the shops. They were supplied from godowns. Nine individuals from the three shops have been arrested in connection with this incident.” Appealing to the business community, Lieutenant Colonel Nazim Ahmed said, “No one should sell such ‘samurai’ choppers or sharp weapons. While some collect them as souvenirs, the current reality is that various terrorist groups are using them, harming ordinary people. This trend must be stopped at all costs.” Addressing the public, he urged, “We must stop the menace of teenage gangs, and we will. If anyone in your vicinity is involved in the illegal trade of sharp weapons, inform the nearest army camp. With everyone’s collective efforts, we can put an end to teenage gang activities.” In response to a question, Lieutenant Colonel Nazim said, “These weapons have been stockpiled over the last three to four months and are being used by various terrorists. They are primarily delivered to terrorists and teenage gang members through home delivery.” The nine arrested individuals will be handed over to the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) Police, and further investigations will follow with a case being filed, the army officer added.