Operation Spider Web being closed in SW districts today

Forces in most of the camps in terroristinfested Khulna and Bagerhat districts have been asked to report to their respective units as they failed nab outlaws and contain crimes including killings, sources said.

The gradual withdrawal of forces has frustrated the people who had welcomed the operation, hoping peace in the area.

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Withdrawal of joint forces began on August 7 from Mongla, followed by those from Paikgacha, Koira, Dumuria, Phultala, Rupsha and Tero Kheda upazilas.

The sources said the Operation Spider Web will be closed today.

Highly placed sources in police department said some special teams comprising sincere and energetic personnel from police, BDR and Ansars will be formed in to resume the anti-crime drive. Coast Guard and APBN will also be called if necessary. The special teams would be treated as 'striking force', to be kept stand-by to nab criminals and recover arms, acting on information.

Intelligence branches have been directed to gear up activities in this regard, the sources said.

Meanwhile, eight out of 14 camps have been withdrawn from Dumuria. The remaining camps were scheduled to be closed yesterday, sources at the DIG office said.