Eight members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were injured in an attack during an anti-drug operation in Teknaf’s Nazirpara area of Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday evening. The violence erupted after RAB arrested Faridul Alam, also known as Daket Farid, a local leader of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal and a suspected drug trafficker facing 17 criminal cases including murder and money laundering. During the clash, two motorcycles, including one belonging to RAB, were set on fire and completely burned.

RAB-15’s Teknaf CPC-1 commander Sohel Rana confirmed the incident, saying the operation targeted known drug dealers. He reported that two of the injured RAB members were in critical condition and sent to Cox’s Bazar District Hospital. Local residents claimed the arrest occurred during a community iftar event organized by the volunteer group, which triggered public outrage and led to the attack.

Police and fire service units later arrived to control the situation. Teknaf police chief Saiful Islam said legal action would follow if RAB filed a complaint. The detainee’s father alleged political harassment and denied any active arrest warrant against his son.