96 pirates, arms manufacturers surrender

A total of 96 people, including pirates, arms manufacturers and other criminals, surrendered to the law enforcement agencies in Cox's Bazar on Saturday with a promise of returning to normal lives.

Earlier in the day, they were brought to the venue of surrender ceremony by prison vans from safe home where they were taken in phases for last one month. 

The pirates handed over their guns to Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, the chief guest of the programme arranged at Kalarmarchhara Union Parishad ground in Maheshkhali upazila. 

During the time, the suspects surrendered a total of 155 locally-made firearms, 275 rounds of cartridges and huge arms-making equipment.

The government will help the surrendered pirates to lead a normal life if they shun the life in crime, the minister said. 

He also urged other criminals to return to normal lives. 

No offender will be spared if action begins, the home boss warned. 

Cox's Bazar-2 MP Ashek Ullah Rafique and Inspector General of Police Mohammad Javed Patwary were, among others, present at the programme. 

The district police gave Tk50,000 each to the families of all surrendered suspects as financial grants.

Cox's Bazar's Superintendent of Police ABM Masud Hossain said the surrendered pirates and arms manufacturers were sent to jail. After completion of legal procedures and disposal of cases filed against them, the administration will help them to return to normal life.  

This is the second round of surrender programme.

Earlier on October 20 last year, 43 pirates, along with huge arms and ammunitions, surrendered to law enforcement agencies in Maheshkhali upazila.

Besides, the government allowed the surrender of 102 yaba godfathers and dealers in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar in February this year.