Bandarban: Members of Bangladesh Army seized firearms, bullets and hand grenades from a terrorist den adjacent to Sepru Para and Pranjong Para in Belaichhari upazila of Rangamati district on Thursday following a gunfight with criminals.

Army personnel conducted a drive in the area to rescue two travellers–Abdullah Al Zubair Anik and Zakir Hossain Munna–who were reportedly abducted by some miscreants on 3 October along with local guide Mang Sai Mro.

Brigadier General Nakib Ahmed Chowdhury, Bandarban Region Commander of Army, said the army men found a secret terrorist den adjacent to Pranjong Para during the drive.

However, the hoodlums opened fire on the army men, forcing them to retaliate that triggered a gun battle. At one stage, the miscreants fled scene.

Later, the army men recovered a Mark-2 rifle, seven rifle magazines, 222 bullets, several grenades, a walkie-talkie, two knives and some papers, Nakib added.

They also recovered an identity card of Zubair from the spot.

The two tourists reached Bandarban on 28 September and entered through Ruma Bazar route to explore impassable Raikhang falls (Pukurpara) which is under Belaichhari upazila.

They along with their guide were reportedly abducted by miscreants in the middle of their mission from Sepupara in Belaichhari upazila of Rangamati district on 3 October.

On the same day, another guide Mangsai Mro went missing from Ananda para in Ruma.

Meanwhile, five people, including a UP member, were arrested in connection with the incident.