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Militant Zia, also known as Major Zia, who had been expelled from the army and sentenced to death, is reportedly back to continue his destructive activities. Sources indicate that Zia's followers are becoming active online and may even engage in heinous acts before the national polls.
It is well-documented that law enforcement agencies have failed to apprehend this militant, who has had a substantial reward on his head for the past decade. Allegedly, Zia is associated with various banned organizations, including Hizbut Tahrir, the Ansarullah Bangla Team, the New JMB, and the Jamaatul Ansar Phil Hindal Sharqiya.
Zia is associated with various banned organizations. Additionally, he is suspected of being the mastermind behind the targeted killings of bloggers, free-thinkers, and publishers in the country.
When asked about Zia's whereabouts, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DC) Mahmudul Hasan from the Intelligence Analysis Division of CTTC stated, "It is very difficult to ascertain whether he is in the country or abroad. However, recent activities and information suggest that he is likely within the country."
Intelligence sources have reported a surge in violent activities leading up to the 12th parliamentary elections in the country. While law enforcement is preoccupied with controlling political tensions, including strikes, blockades, and arson, Zia and his followers have reportedly escalated their militant activities. Furthermore, other members of various banned militant organizations have also become active by creating new entities under different names and using encrypted apps to avoid detection. It is believed that Zia is the mastermind behind this resurgence.
Officials have noted that on September 14, the founder of a new militant organization, 'Tawhidul Uluhiyah,' named Jewel Mollah, was arrested. Subsequent arrests of active members of this organization further raised concerns about potential violence before the election.
Commander Khandaker Al Moin, Director of Law and Media Branch of RAB, revealed that Mamun, the head of Sharqiya's dawati branch, was arrested in May and had connections with Zia. Zia reportedly visited Mamun at his house in Sylhet.
Police Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) Superintendent of Police (Operations) Mohammad Sanowar Hossain mentioned that they are actively monitoring and patrolling both cyberspace and physical locations to counter these threats. However, they do not have specific information about a terrorist threat at this time.
It should be noted that Zia was identified as one of the main planners behind a series of murders, including the killing of bloggers, a publisher, and two gay rights activists between 2013 and 2015. He was also implicated in a student's murder at a private university during that period. Despite law enforcement's efforts, Zia has remained at large for the past decade.
Zia is known by his full name, Syed Mohammad Ziaul Haque, and hails from Mustafapur, Moulvibazar. He used to reside in Mirpur cantonment before going into hiding. He is one of the planners behind a military coup attempt in December 2011 but managed to evade capture at that time.
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