Two years after the July uprising, police have yet to apprehend most of the armed Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League members accused of shooting at students and protesters across Bangladesh. Law enforcement agencies identified around 200 armed cadres involved in the attacks but have arrested only 25 so far. Many of the suspects reportedly fled to India after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024. Police confirmed that several of the armed participants were local leaders, including former councillors and party officials, who were seen firing weapons in multiple cities.
Footage from various locations, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Narayanganj, Savar, and Feni, showed ruling party affiliates using firearms against demonstrators. Among those identified are former councillors Asif Ahmed Sarkar and Tarequzzaman Rajib, as well as former MP S.M. Zahid. Police said investigations and arrests are ongoing, though many suspects remain fugitives.
Authorities also reported that over 1,300 firearms looted from police stations during the unrest are still missing, raising concerns that these weapons could be used in future violence. Police continue operations to recover the arms and detain those responsible.