Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has detained four suspected militants, including two top regional leaders of the banned outfit Jamatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), from a house in Sirajganj’s Shahjadpur upazila.
RAB officials said they had cordoned off the house in the municipality’s Ukilpara neighbourhood since 5am on Friday morning, based on information provided by militants detained the previous day.
Confirming the matter, Lt Col Ashik Billah, RAB legal and media wing chief, said four suspected militants surrendered as of yet.
The arrestees were identified as Kiron alias Shamim, Naimul Islam from Pabna, Atiar Hossain from Dinajpur and Aminul Islam from Satkhira, all are young and students. They are currently being interrogated.
RAB seized two foreign-made pistols, bomb-making materials and a huge amount of books promoting extremism from the scene.
The items seized from the suspected militant's den in Sirajganj on Friday | Dhaka Tribune
There was a loud explosion in the house in the morning. A senior RAB official told the media that the house was used as a training centre by the extremists.
On Thursday night, four militants, including JMB Rajshahi’s Shah Makhdum unit chief Mahbub, were arrested, said Acting Company Commander of Sirajganj RAB 12 Md Mohiuddin Miraj.
The raid in Sirajganj was conducted based on information provided by Mahbub.
Neighbours said some youths had rented the ground floor of an under-construction building bought by one Khairul Alam.
The house was frequented by many unknown people and some residents of the house were running a shop in the neighbourhood.
Some used to sell fried snacks at Alif-Lam-Mim Bhatarmor area, locals said.
RAB said more information would be provided later.
The government launched a massive crackdown on militants after the July 1, 2016 Holey Artisan attack. Successful drives and deaths of top militant leaders have brought down militant activities in the country.