Staff Correspondent

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has claimed to have found evidence of the involvement of the militant outfit Kuki Chin in the bank robberies at Ruma and Thanchi of Bandarban.

“Kuki Chin was involved in the bank robbery and firearms looting. They also hit police constables, bank guards and Ansar members,” he said while talking to reporters at his ministry office in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The minister, however, said that detailed information in this regard is yet to be available.

“First, they switched off the electricity substation and then started looting valuables and firearms. Later, they abducted the local Sonali Bank manager when he was performing Tarabi Namaz,” he said.

Police and BGB members are carrying out operations immediately after the incidents, he said adding necessary step has been taken to bring the situation under control.

“Police and BGB have been carrying out their duties. If necessary, Bangladesh Army will also join the operation against Kuki Chin and other militant outfits,” he said.

Two branches of Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank were attacked in Thanchi of Bandarban today hours after the armed robbers targeted Sonali Bank's Ruma branch.

The incident took place around 12:30 pm, Md Jasim Uddin, officer-in-charge of Thanchi Police Station said but he failed to disclose how much money was looted.

Besides, Thanchi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Mamun told the local newsmen that the robbers entered Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank branches around 12:30 pm and looted cash from the vaults.

After entering the banks, the robbers seized weapons from the security guards and destroyed all CCTV cameras to eliminate evidence before fleeing the scene, according to the eyewitnesses.

The armed gang also fired several rounds of bullets inside the banks and in and around the area to ensure their safe escape.