Members of the joint forces, led by the Bangladesh Army, arrested 278 suspected criminals in a nationwide drive conducted between January 16 and January 22, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.

The operations were carried out across the country, including in the capital, by units from various infantry divisions and independent brigades, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies.

According to ISPR, those arrested include suspected terrorists, drug traffickers and users, members of robbery and juvenile gangs, thieves and smugglers.

During the operations, the joint forces also recovered 22 illegal firearms, 822 rounds of ammunition of various types, seven crude bombs, locally made weapons and narcotics.

ISPR said the arrestees have been handed over to the respective police stations for further interrogation and legal proceedings.

The military’s media wing added that joint forces are continuing regular patrols and security operations in different areas to ensure public safety. Troops are also deployed in industrial zones to help keep labour unrest under control.

These security operations will continue to maintain overall law and order, ISPR said, urging citizens to report any suspicious or unusual activities to the nearest Army camp.