Photo : Messenger
A clandestine militant network is operating discreetly in the vicinity of the capital, Dhaka. Particularly in the outskirts of Dhaka, they adeptly conceal their identities and establish covert shelters by renting residential properties. Demonstrating a strategic approach, they frequently relocate to evade detection by law enforcement forces.
Functioning as coordinators, these individuals play a pivotal role in managing cases involving apprehended militants. Additionally, they engage in liaising with the families of incarcerated militants, serving as intermediaries to handle the legal and logistical aspects of their situations. Furthermore, they receive and carry out various directives from militants currently detained in jail, implementing these instructions with meticulous precision.
On Sunday night, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) conducted a operation resulting in the apprehension of six individuals, notably including one of the high-ranking leaders of the banned militant organisation Ansar Al Islam, Abdur Razzaq, also known as Isahaq. The operation took place in Rupganj, situated near the capital.
Other arrested are - Shariful Islam alias Murad (31), Ashiqur Rahman alias Usaiman (27), Muhammad Zakaria alias Abrar (24), Al Amin alias Robin alias Samura (24) and Abu Zar alias Maruf (18). Subsequent to the arrests, law enforcement officials discovered a substantial quantity of extremist literature and other related equipment at the scene.
Further revelations emerged during the interrogation of the detained militants by the RAB. It has been disclosed that the arrested members of Ansar Al Islam were actively engaged in recruitment efforts, extending their influence across various occupations in key areas such as Savar, Ashulia, Mymensingh, and Narayanganj.
The militants were reportedly involved in the recruitment and induction of new members into their fold, employing a strategic approach to infiltrate different sectors. Additionally, the arrested individuals disclosed that they conducted training sessions for these newly recruited members, indicating a systematic effort to enhance the capabilities and commitment of their cadre.
RAB spokesperson Commander Khandaker Al Moin revealed critical information concerning the arrested militants, stating, "We have uncovered evidence indicating that they were planning a major act of sabotage." The arrested individuals, as part of their strategy to expand the organisation, were involved in disseminating various extremist books, engaging in the torture of Muslims, and distributing videos featuring speeches by extremist leaders.
Moreover, the arrested militants were found to be regularly collecting funds to sustain the organisation's activities. They employed deceptive tactics, including misrepresenting information, to gather financial support from relatives, different madrasas, and members. The organisation's clandestine activities involved conducting secret meetings in mosques, residences, and various locations.
In addition to their domestic connections, the militants maintained contact with like-minded individuals from neighboring countries through social media platforms. Disturbingly, they were involved in the illicit transportation of organization members to neighboring countries under the guise of so-called "Hijrat" (migration), where they underwent various training programs.
According to RAB spokesperson Commander Khandaker Al Moin, the arrested individual, Isahaq (Abdur Razzaq), played a significant role in recruiting new members for the organisation by promoting militancy and jihad through online media. Under his directives, new recruits received diverse training, encompassing both theoretical and physical exercises, at various Ansar houses located in Gazipur, Tongi, and Mymensingh.
To maintain communication and coordination, Isahaq utilised various secret social media applications to stay in touch with top leaders of the organisation and other members, receiving instructions and providing guidance to his followers within the organisation. Additionally, it has been disclosed that Isahaq regularly met with members of Ansar al-Islam in Kashimpur jail, holding meetings with both the incarcerated members and their relatives. He was recognised as Saiba, functioning as one of the coordinators of Ansar al-Islam, actively coordinating with the top leaders on various organisational matters.
RAB officials disclosed that Isahaq held the position of chief coordinator and headed the training wing for the Ashulia, Savar, Manikganj, Gazipur, and Mymensingh divisions within the Ansar al-Islam organisation. He maintained direct contact with the current emir (leader) of Ansar al-Islam, Abu Imran. Acting under the emir's directives, Isahaq orchestrated various organisational activities across different areas of the country, with a focus on Ashulia, Savar, Manikganj, Gazipur, and Mymensingh regions in proximity to the capital.
Officials also highlighted that these specific areas were chosen strategically, primarily to facilitate meetings with militants in jail, seek their advice, and manage ongoing court proceedings.
RAB officials have reported that the two militants sentenced to death, Mainul Hasan Shamim alias Sifat Samir and Abu Siddique Sohail alias Shakib, were last known to be in Savar. However, they managed to vacate their hideout before law enforcement agencies could detect their presence. Currently, security forces are actively engaged in an urgent search operation to apprehend these two militants.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that there was a premeditated plan to abduct two militants from Kashimpur jail. Subsequently, the militants who were outside executed a brazen escape from the court premises, evading capture and raising concerns about the security and effectiveness of the law enforcement measures in place.
Recently, there have been significant developments in the crackdown against extremist elements in various areas. Hafez Maulana Mamunur Rashid, also known as Mamun, the top leader of Hizb ut Tahrir, was apprehended in Narayanganj. Additionally, five members of Jamaatul Ansar Phil Hindal Sharqiyah were arrested in the Sonargaon area. The detained individuals include Golam Sarwar (25), Shakib Mahmud (27), Farhad Hossain (22), Murad Hossain (21), and Wasikur Rahman, alias Naeem (28).
In a separate operation conducted last year in Nayagaon area of Araihajar, CTTC (Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime) recovered three powerful bombs and bomb-making equipment from a militant hideout. This operation was carried out based on information provided by Abdullah Al Mamun, a new member of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), after his arrest.
Moreover, arrests of individuals associated with extremist activities have taken place in different areas of Gazipur, including Savar and Ashulia. These actions highlight the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle and counter the activities of militant groups, ensuring the safety and security of the region.
Militants from banned organisations are reportedly engaging in various activities, potentially posing a threat to public safety. In response to these developments, law enforcement agencies such as the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, and the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) have taken proactive measures to apprehend active members associated with several organisations.
Notably, the arrests have targeted individuals linked to organizations such as Hizb ut Tahrir, Ansar Al Islam, New JMB (Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh), and Shariqiya.
According to RAB, since its establishment, the organisation has successfully brought about 3,000 militants associated with various militant organisations under the purview of the law. Following the Holy Artisan attack, which was a significant incident, RAB has been instrumental in apprehending approximately 2,000 militants. The efforts of RAB have been crucial in thwarting the plans of militants through strategic operations, particularly during times when these extremist elements attempt to resurface or carry out activities detrimental to public safety and national security.
Messenger/Fameema
