The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit has arrested a suspected operative of New JMB, an offshoot of banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).
Acting on a tipoff, a CTTC team apprehended Shibbir Ahmad, 22, from East Bashabo in Dhaka on Thursday evening, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (media) Walid Hossain.
The law enforcement agency also recovered a mobile phone, five books related to extremism, and a bank deposit book from his possession, he said.
He was arrested on charges of money transactions with international militant groups, the official added.
CTTC sources said Shibbir had been working for the media wing of the militant outfit since its inception. He had a close relationship with its former Ameer, Musa.
After the death of Musa, Shibbir remained inactive in the organization for some time.
In 2018, he resumed his activities online in the organization and had been trying to communicate with various Islamic State inspired militant organizations using different identities.
Sources also said Shibbir used various tactics to establish relationships with IS-inspired different individuals in various countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, United States, France, and Afghanistan.
He raised money from foreign nationals in various ways to strengthen the militant outfit in Bangladesh and conduct subversive activities.
He also made money transactions with some foreign nationals who returned from Syria.
Shibbir passed Dakhil from Dhaka's Bashabo Syedia Dakhil Madrasa in 2017, the CTTC said.
As muezzin and assistant imam in various mosques, he propagated extremist ideas and conducted militant activities according to sources.
