Ruling party leaders obstruct drive against JMB men

Seeking anonymity, he told this correspondent that activists of JMB and other Islamist militants are active in several areas in the district.

To substantiate his claim, he said a central leader of a ruling coalition partner who is a minister interfered and talked to the top brass in the district police administration for release of 'JMB suspect' Maulana Abdur Rahman after he was arrested on August 6.

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The district secretary and another leader of the party lobbied with police and got him released, he said.

Maulana Abdur Rahman is a teacher at Sreebardi Bali Dakhil Madrasa in the Sadar upazila.

Police could have arrested JMB activists after the August 17 bomb blasts but they went slow following intervention by leaders of a coalition partner. There was pressure also from some local BNP leaders, he claimed.

Two JMB activistsKawser Alam Sumon and Sanaullah--both from Gouripur in Mymensingh were arrested on October 6 and 12 respectively from Natrakona following the August 17 blasts. They had named more seven JMB activists who were involved in the blasts. They are Manju, Kafi, Habib, Sujon, Iliyas, Raju and Shamim. The names were disclosed by Kawser Alam Sumon and Sanaullah during interrogation but they are yet to be arrested. The tow are now in Netrakona jail.

Police recently submitted charge sheet against four JMB men in the August 17 blast case. They are Shaikh Abdur Rahaman, Kawser Ahamed, Kawser Alam Sumon and Sanaullah.

Mentionalby, the Natrakona Police Superintendent was threatened over telephone thrice recently not to 'disturb JMB cadres'.

Asked about efforts to track down the anonymous callers, he said they asked local T & T officials to trace the telephone numbers from where the threats were made. But they (T& T officials) showed little interest, he alleged.

The official claimed that the threats could be given by the seven JMB cadres yet to be arrested.

Sources in intelligence department said the August 17 bombers stayed at the house of Liton in Kurpar area in the town before the incident. All information about JMB cadres will be known if Liton is arrested, they said.

The intelligence officials admitted that JMB cadres are regrouping in some madeasas in the Sadar upazila and in remote areas.

This correspondent also talked to Police Superintendent Ali Hossen Fakir.

He avoided a direct reply when asked about alleged political pressure.

"We are trying our best to arrest the JMB activists. The task would be easier if we get people's cooperation", he said.

He however said security measures have been tightened in the district town following the August 17 bomb blasts and telephonic threats against him.