Probe goes slow, no charge sheet yet

Investigation into the incident and against the accused has also slowed, sources close to police claimed.

JMB militants are regrouping in remote shoal areas of Shagahata and Fulchhari upazilas due to the lax attitude, they admitted while talking to this correspondent. Submission of charge sheet against the 14 is being delayed as investigation has not been completed, they said.

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The sources hinted that the arrested 14 people were earlier involved with a ruling coalition partner and its student front.

Police are in dilemma in framing charge, as many of the arrested accused are still involved with that party and enjoy backing from influential political laeaders.

During primary investigation, at least nine of the arrestees confessed to their involvement in the August 17 bomb blasts in the district. But police could not realise their confession under Section 164 before a Magistrate due to political pressure.

The arrested persons are ATM Taibur Rahman of Hashem Bazar village in Gaibandha Sadar; Azizul of Sonaray; Piyare Alam of Dulal; Soharab of Billah in Sunderganj upazila; Mofazzal Hossain of Mohammedpur; Rafiqul Islam of Masjidpara; Jahedul Huq Sarker of Khidir Chowgharia; Sanowerul Islam, Jahir Raiful Simul and Khalilullah Jwel of Basantherpara village; Abdul Jalil of Anadaoara; Atiqur Rhman Bipul of Manmathpur; Mosharaf Hossain and Delwer Hossain of Simultair village, all in Shaghata upazila.

Sources said Shaghata upazila is the den of JMB activists. The house of the father-in-law of JMJB chief Siddiqul Islam alias Bangla Bhai is in the upazila. In last two years, many young men, specially madrasha students, joined JMJB following a motivational campaign by its leaders.