Comilla: Local authorities banned public gathering by imposing section 144 at Kotbari area as law enforcers took preparation for conducting raid at a house suspecting as a militant den in the area of Comilla Sadar South upazila on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, gas and power supplies were also cut off near the suspected militant den.

It has been believed that a huge number of explosives are stored in the house.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP)’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit and bomb disposal team reached on the spot from Dhaka at about 8:00am.

The Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Shah Mohammad Abid Hossain said section 144 has been imposed near the suspected militant den area at Kotbari. Authorities also cut off the gas and power lines to the area.

However, the SP could not say anything about when the operation will be started. He said law enforcers will brief the media after concluding the raid.

Earlier, on 29 March afternoon, police encircled a building at Gandhamati area of ward no 24 in Comilla City Corporation suspecting it to be a militant den.

Based on intelligence information, a team of police surrounded the three-storey building at Baro Kobarstan at about 4:30pm, said Abdullah Al Mamun, additional superintendent (South) of police.