Police yesterday arrested eight operatives of outlawed Islamist outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) including two madrasa teachers in Gaibandha and seized a big cache of explosives.| Madrasa teachers? I thought those who could, did, and those who couldn't ... |
Both Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and police suspect the militants are getting prepared for committing subversive attacks ahead of the national polls.
In Gaibandha, Special Branch in association with police seized 50 casings of grenade, grenade-making materials, huge explosives and jihad books from Chakshibpur and Parkachua villages in the first phase of drives. Col Gulzaruddin Ahmed, additional director general of Rab, told The Daily Star, "The collection of such explosives and ammunition proves their preparation to commit a serious crime."
| Brilliant, Director-General, simply brilliant ... |
SM Moniruzzaman, superintendent of Gaibandha police, said among the eight JMB men, Obaidur is a teacher of Chapadaha Dimukhi Dakhil Madrasa and Amzad Hossain of Afroza Khanam Dakhil Madrasa. Besides, Amzad is also the imam of Argishahpur Jam-e Mosque, he said. Rejaul Karim Reji is the JMB's regional commander. He is a student of Gobindaganj Shamim and Shakil Technical College and also the member of JMB's policymaking body Ehsar.
"All the eight militants are senior JMB leaders," the Gaibandha SP said. "Following their confessions, we believe there are many JMB men active in the country."
| No kidding ... |
Gaibandha police chief SM Moniruzzaman said the explosives might have been collected for any big attack ahead of the national election.
Lt Col Ahsan, commander of Gaibandha army camp, and Rab-5 Commander Major Shah Ali said the arrestees have given important information.
| "Hey Major, I think we just solved the Limbergh baby kidnapping." |