A London expatriate from Moulvibazar has been found to be the owner of both houses where law enforcers are conducting a raid in suspicion that militants are residing there.

The owner was identified as one Saifur Rahman, who is currently living in London with family and has not been in country for a few years, our local correspondent reports.

“He came often before. But for a few years, he did not come home,” said Jalal Ahmed, a councillor of ward no. 6 in Moulvibazar municipality. “He lives in UK with his family.”

The two houses, which the law enforcers have besieged since last night, are a duplex in Borohat and a one-storied building in Nasirpur. Till last reported, gunshots and blasts were heard from Borohat.

Villagers around the duplex villa evacuating and moving to a safe place. Photo: Mintu Deshwara

According to locals, one of his relatives named Atique looks after the house. But it was yet to be ascertained as to if the militants had rented the house through Atique.

Moulvibazar police Senior Assistant Superintendent Rashedul Islam said militants have taken position in both houses. It is suspected that they are well equipped with explosives and ammunition.

Meanwhile, police have evacuated the residents nearby.