Jamiatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) activists have learnt their operational tactics from the dreaded Tamil Tigers. JMB chief, Saidur Rahman, who was arrested on May 26, told the Bangladeshi interrogators that his cadres received training in simultaneously multiple targets from the LTTE of Sri Lanka. The Tigers were militarily defeated and their chief Velupllai Pirabhakaran was killed in the Wanni War that ended after a year long campaign in May last year. According to Saidur Rahman, JMB activist also acquired techniques for manufacturing explosive devices and arms.
The dread Islamist militant told his interrogators that the JMB followed Al Qaeda’s ideology and works to expand and strengthen Al Qaeda’s base in Bangladesh.
He also revealed that JMB was an offshoot of Jamiatul Muslimeen headed by Saif, who is a Bangladeshi national and is very much in the country now.
‘JMB owes everything it has — funds, training, manufacturing arms and explosives and huge stock of Arges grenades (generally used on battle field) – to Saif. He maintains regular contacts with the top brass of Al Qaeda and works as Al Qaeda’s agent to expand Al Qaeda network in Bangladesh’, Saidur Rahman revealed, a report in the Ittefaq says.
An intelligence agency in the country was in league with Saif and allowed him to go Scot free even after getting a chance to catch him red handed, he stated.
Saidur Rahman also disclosed that Jamiatul Muslimeen is an underground organization and gets its agenda implemented through JMB.
Intelligence agencies believe that by arresting Saif and decimating Jamiatul Muslimeen, Islamic militancy can be rooted out in Bangladesh.
Saidur Rahman’s interrogation revealed the recent theft of several tons of sulphur from a fertilizer plant in Chittagong was the handiwork of JMB activists. Sulphur is an important ingredient for manufacturing bomb.
JMB activists are well trained in manufacturing indigenous explosive devices, grenades, Arges (powerful grenades used on battle front) and even rocket launchers. They have mastered the technique of manufacturing devices that explode instead of being diffused when in contact with water. These devices are stored in JMB hideouts across the country.
According to Rahman, the JMB has successfully carried out test-launch of three rocket launchers in the dense Sunderban forests recently. He also disclosed that JMB cadres mastered the technique of manufacturing indigenous explosive devices that explode instead of being diffused when in contact with water and these devices are stored in JMB hideouts located across the country.
SENTENCED
A Khulna court sentenced (June 1) seven JMB activists to rigorous imprisonment for seven years. Five of them were present in the court; police are on the look out for the remaining two. All the seven were involvement in the synchronized serial bomb blasts that had rocked Bangladesh on August 17, 2005.
The JMB cadres, however, rejected the verdict saying they would not accept any trial under a government which is not Islamic.
ALLAHAR DAL THREAT
People of two villages, Kishmat Bagchi and Hially under Sadullapur Upazila, have staged a demonstration against the Islamist militant outfit, Allahar Dal.
Several hundreds marched to the Sadullapur Police station and the UNO office, demanding immediate arrest of Allahar Dal leaders.
The agitation followed Allahar Dal threat to blow up their houses as ‘punishment’ for helping the arrest of two Dal activists on May 26 night..
Addressing a rally in front of the UNO office, elders of the two villages said, followers of Allahar Dal kingpin Matin Mehdi are now regrouping in Sadullapur Upazila. Mehdi was sentenced to death by a court for his involvement in militant activities.
