Members of an organized gang of robbers stormed the Jinjira branch of Rupali Bank in South Keraniganj, near Dhaka, on Thursday afternoon (December 19). 

Police and security forces promptly cordoned off the bank, blocking all escape routes and attempting to negotiate with the robbers. 

Eyewitnesses and sources said the robbers entered the second floor of the bank and, upon noticing the presence of businessmen on the ground floor, immediately shut all entrance and exit doors. 

According to them, police have been using loudspeakers to communicate with the robbers inside the bank. Efforts are also underway to establish direct contact with the hostage-takers via mobile phones.

Keraniganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mazharul Islam is at the scene, leading the operation alongside other law enforcement officers.

According to a source, there are 10 to 12 bank employees inside the building, along with an unknown number of customers. All of them are currently being held hostage. 

While the exact number of robbers remains unclear, preliminary reports suggest there may be more than three individuals involved.

BDST: 1639 HRS, DEC 19, 2024
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