Members of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of police claimed to have arrested a top militant and two members of banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in Dhaka early today.

The arrestees are, Abu Raihan alias Mahmud alias Abdul Hadi, Md Habibur Rahman alias Chan Miah and Rajibur Rahman alias Rajib, CTTC chief Monirul Islam said during a press briefing at the DMP media centre.

Around 150 factory made detonators, explosive gel sticks, commando knife and some books provoking extremism were seized from their possession, the official said.

A case was filed against the arrestees with Vhatara Police station in this connection.

What did CTTC reveal in the press briefing?

Abu Raihan alias Mahmud alias Abdul Hadi is the ‘Aameer’ of the Bangladesh chapter of (old) Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), the official said.

Abu Raihan was in direct contact with one Salahuddin Salehin, who escaped during a prison van ambush in Trishal of Mymensingh, Monirul Islam said adding that the two are the brothers-in-law.

In 2017, Abu Raihan took responsibility as the Aamir of JMB (Bangladesh chapter).

They were trying to reestablish JMB and in that light, they were trying to build up a madrasah and a training centre in the hill tracts where they would provide training to people.

They conducted robberies and engaged in other illegal activities to collect funds. Meanwhile, one Maulana Abdur Rahman Rakib also collected funds from abroad and sent them to the country, CTTC officials said.

Meanwhile, Chan Miah was arrested in March last year after he was found involved in a robbery at a house in Dakkhinkhan. But later, he walked out on bail and joined the militant activities again, CTTC officials added.

Another arrestee Rajib hailing from bordering area in Sherpur district would arrange all meetings and programmes at his house in the area.

Although this group has become quite weak, they are still capable of making explosives. But police have an eye on them, the CTTC officials further added.