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Hizb-ut expanding secret network in Kushtia, Meherpur

27 May 2009, 18:00 PM

NATIONAL

Amanur Aman, Back to Kushtia from Meherpur

Islamist outfit Hizb-ut Towhid is expanding its secret network in the south-western districts of Kushtia and Meherpur evading the eyes of law enforcers. Locals and sources in the police said one Anisur Rahman alias Chhana has taken up its leadership and working to revamp organisational structure along with a number of aides. The members of the outfit, however, claim that their 'organisation' is not a militant one and they are working to 'establish Islamic rule in the country' throwing away all man-made laws 'foiling all conspiracies' to thwart their mission. Sources said a good number of activists who went into hiding after the arrest of 31 activists including the outfit's so-called regional chief Mahbubur Rahman on April 17 in Kushtia have returned to their respective strongholds. According to sources close to the outfit, Anisur Rahman Chhana, son of late Shamsuddin of Harekrishnapur in Sadar upazila of Kushtia took over as the regional chief following arrest of Mahbubur Rahman. Earlier Chhana was the third man in the organisation's hierarchy and used to evaluate and report on the activities of the party in different areas. In Kushtia, the militants are active in several areas including Kushtia housing, Mollahteghoria, Jugia, Barkhada, Talbaria and Barkhada, while in Meherpur while they have dens at Debipur, Chatian, Baout, Harbhanga, Karamdi and Katdah in Gangni upazila. Witnesses said hardcore activists are visiting the remote villages frequently with a mission to allure youths aged between 15 and 25 to the party. Illiterate and unemployed youths are their main target, they said. This correspondent recently visited different areas in Gangni upazila in Meherpur. Locals disclosed names of some top activists including Ramzan Ali of Chatian village, Basiruddin of Baout and Amirul of Debipur village. One Saharul Islam is chief of the organisation in Gangni upazila, they said. On April 13, 2007, 14 Hizb-ut men including Saharul were arrested in separate raids by Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and police in the villages in Meherpur. Police recovered firearms, bomb-making materials, jihadi books and leaflets from their possession. Police filed cases against them under the Arms and Explosive Act on April 20 but all were released from jail. On April 17 this year, police arrested 31 Hizb-ut men when 'regional chief' Mahbubur Rahman was holding a secret meeting at its Kushtia office 'Pather Disha' at Barabazar in the town. Around two kilogram white powder, use of which is yet to be known, about 100 books and different leaflets were seized. All the books were written by Bayezid Khan Panni of Tangail district while the leaflets urged people to unite to establish “real Islam” under the leadership of their 'Imam' (Panni).