Influx of illegal weapons

It is little wonder that the weapons used in the Gulshan attack were obtained from across the border as we understand from police statements. It needs little reiteration that there has been of late increased proliferation of illegal weapons and ammunition in the country. Its random use and instances of police recovery of these materials in raids of extremists' dens and hideouts bears our fear. 

The sophisticated weapons and munitions in possession of these non-state actors are of service category and very sophisticated. Many encounters between the law enforcing agencies and the extremists and common outlaws have involved the use of small arms by the criminals. Little doubt that all of these have found their way clandestinely inside Bangladesh.

Reportedly, a large number of small arms factories have sprouted up just across our borders and along with it has grown drug factories as cottage industry; and there are takers for both in Bangladesh. 

We have been calling from time to time to beef up the efforts to recover illegal weapons and enhance border vigilance to check the inflow of illicit weapons. The matter must be given top priority.