Robbers surrender after attempting to loot Rupali Bank Jinjira branch

The three-member decoit team has surrendered unconditionally after law enforcers besieged them at the Jinjira branch of Rupali Bank in Keraniganj during a robbery attempt.

About eight bank officials and staff, including the branch's Manager Shekhar Mondol, were held hostage by the robbers inside the bank, said South Keraniganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mazharul Islam. Three local weapons were recovered from the robbers.

Earlier, the robbers placed several conditions to free the hostages including a safe exit, Tk15 lakh cash and others.

Police learned of the robbery attempt around 2pm when a mosque near the branch announced the presence of robbers using loudspeakers.

For the bank staffer, the next four hours was a blur of panic and disarray. In time, locals rushed to the spot and were joined by law enforcers and security forces.

Police immediately surrounded the facility, but later personnel from RAB and Army also joined the siege.

The presence of law enforcers, however, meant their escape route was blocked. They couldn't flee.

After making contact with the security forces present through a note, the robbers agreed to surrender. The ordeal would soon come to an end.

At a press conference around 8pm, RAB-10 Commander (CO) Khalilur Rahman Howlader said the surrendered robbers gave their names as Nirob, Niloy and Nibir.

Later, Keraniganj Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sohrab Al Hasan confirmed the identities of the robbers – Md Leon Molla Nirab, 22, Md Arafat 16, and Md Sifat 16.

Each was wearing a mask, he said, adding the RAB maintained some skepticism about their identity and the matter was being investigated.