Five JMB regional commanders in 2 dists still at large

These fugitive commanders are trying to regroup their scattered militants in remote areas in the two districts. The shoal areas across the Brahmaputra basin have become their safe havens, police said.

In Joypurhat, JMB regional commander Montazar Rahman hailing from Uttar Moheshpur village in Khetlal upazila and his son Momin, another JMB commander were carrying out militant activities for the last two years.

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Joypurhat police raided a secret den of JMB at Moheshpur at night on august 14, 2003. At that time a meeting chaired by Montazar was being held there. Police cordoned the meeting venue.

Sensing police presence, Montazar and his men attacked them. Seven policemen including Joypurhat Sadar Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Iqbal Shafi were seriously injured. The militants snatched away three short guns, 40 bullets, magazines and wireless set from them.

Later, 18 militants were rounded up but Montezar and his son went into hiding. Police said Montezar is now regrouping the militants in remote shoal areas.

Earlier, police arrested a JMB commander Amjad Hossain in connection with recovery of 24 pieces of powerful bombs and 124 pieces of detonators from a compartment of Borga bound local train at Bonapara Railway Station on November 12, 2004.

Police first arrested Anisur Rahman with the bombs. Following his confession, they arrested a lame man, Amjad Hossain from Jogodishpur village in Shaghata upazila. But soon Amjad managed to get himself released from police custody and went into hiding.,

Police later declared Amjad as a most wanted militant.

Matin Mehdi alias Motinul Islam alias Taroka Matin, second-in-command of Allaher Dal ( a faction of JMB) and a resident of Bridge Road, Gaibandha is also evading police arrest. He is a charge sheeted accused in August 17 serial bomb blasts in Gaibandha.

He was awarded death penalty by a court in Jhenidah recently.

Abdul Aziz of Shaghata upazila, another most wanted militant and a charge sheeted accused in August 17 serial bomb blast case in Gaibandha also remained at large. People in Shaghata upazila said the militants are regrouping in their areas.

Meanwhile, members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), in a drive launched recently, arrested three JMB 'ehsar' members, Badal alias Reaz, Quaiyum alias Kamal and Harun. They confessed under Section 164 of BPC to their involvement in the August 17 serial bomb blasts. Charges have been pressed against them.

When contacted, police claimed they are carrying out massive manhunt for the fugitive commanders.