<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>Two operatives of the armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) were killed in an anti-terror combing operation conducted by Bangladesh Army in Bandarban on Sunday.&nbsp;</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The operation was conducted in the remote Baklai area under Ruma upazila of Bandarban, said a media release issued by Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR).&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Three firearms, huge amounts of ammunition, walkie-talkie and other materials were recovered during the operation, said the ISPR.</div><div><br></div><div>However, details about the deceased could not be known immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>On April 23, another KNF operative was killed in a clash with law enforcers in Munlai Para area of Ruma upazila.</div><div><br></div><div>On April 2, the separatist group abducted Sonali Bank’s Ruma upazila branch manager, Md Nezam Uddin, and tried to loot Tk 1.5 crore from the vault of the bank.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The following day, they carried out robberies at Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank branches in Thanchi upazila of Bandarban.</div><div><br></div><div>On April 4, the abducted manager was rescued from Bathel Para area of Bandarban through the mediation of Rapid Action Battalion.</div><div><br></div><div>On April 7, in response to a surge of criminal activities, including high-profile bank robbery and abduction, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed announced a comprehensive joint operation in Bandarban.</div><div><br></div><div>Since the inception of the operation, the joint forces have so far arrested 72 KNF members and their associates. According to UNB reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd/fas</div>