Four months after a bomb exploded inside a madrasa in Hasnabad, Keraniganj, investigators say militants had planned coordinated attacks on temples across the country.
The explosives, allegedly manufactured inside the madrasa, were also intended to intimidate law enforcement agencies.
Yet despite multiple arrests and interrogations, the investigation has made little progress.
According to case documents, suspects revealed during interrogation that they had planned simultaneous attacks on temples in different districts.
Their objective was twofold: to spread fear among religious communities and to undermine public confidence in the country’s democratic system.
Investigators say the group sought to recruit ordinary worshippers into their network, inciting them with jihadi rhetoric and promises of a radical Islamic regime.
The arrested individuals were identified as supporters of the banned militant outfit Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB), a splinter faction linked to Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).
Authorities allege they were supplying weapons and explosives to other extremist groups while organizing sabotage operations nationwide.
Keraniganj blast
The plot unraveled after an explosion on December 26 last year at Ummul Qura International Madrasa.
The blast damaged two rooms and a nearby CNG garage.
Locals reported a second explosion days later, which injured one person.
Law enforcement agencies launched raids across the country, arresting 17 suspects, including alleged bomb‑maker and militant leader Sheikh Al Amin.
The Anti‑Terrorism Unit (ATU), which is leading the investigation, confirmed that seven of those arrested have been formally charged.
Investigators say several suspects, including Al Amin, had been arrested multiple times before -- between five and seven times in some cases -- but resumed militant activities after securing bail.
Records show Al Amin faces at least seven cases under the Anti‑Terrorism Act and other charges, including cases filed in Narayanganj, Dhaka, Narsingdi, and Bagerhat.
Despite this history, officials admit progress has been slow.
Evidence collected from the blast site has been sent to the Criminal Investigation Department’s forensic lab, but reports have yet to be delivered.
Investigators say the final case report cannot be prepared until forensic results are received.
Madrasa as a cover
Investigators believe the madrasa was used as a front for militant training and bomb‑making.
Case files show that on April 1, 2022, a man named Mufti Harun rented the house from owner Parveen Begum for Tk10,000 per month.
Soon after, the madrasa was established. Locals, seeing students studying, suspected nothing.
Parveen Begum’s daughter, Sohana Akhter Munia, said the family rented out the property based on a local acquaintance.
“We thought it was a madrasa. We never imagined bombs were being made there,” she said.
Since the blast, the house has remained cordoned off as a crime scene, depriving the family of rental income.
“My father is dead, my mother is old. We depended on the rent. We hope the police will hand over the house soon,” she added.
Security officials note that JMJB was originally a sub‑organization of JMB, led by Siddiqul Islam alias Bangla Bhai under the leadership of Sheikh Abdur Rahman.
Over time, members regrouped as “new JMB,” adopting the ideology of the Islamic State (IS).
Investigators believe the Keraniganj cell was part of this evolving network, attempting to destabilize the country through targeted attacks and propaganda.
Investigation stalled
Despite multiple remands and interrogations, investigators admit that no significant breakthrough has been achieved.
ATU’s Superintendent of Police (Media and Awareness Wing), Mahfuzul Alam, told Bangla Tribune: “The incident is being investigated seriously. However, there is no significant progress to report at this moment.”
The prolonged delay has raised questions about the effectiveness of counter‑terrorism efforts.
Analysts warn that repeated arrests without long‑term disruption of networks allow militants to regroup.
The stalled investigation also prolongs uncertainty for victims, including property owners whose homes remain sealed off.
The Keraniganj blast underscores how militants continue to exploit religious institutions and unsuspecting communities as cover for their operations.
Experts say the case highlights the need for stronger surveillance of informal educational institutions and stricter monitoring of repeat offenders.
While law enforcement agencies insist the situation is under control, the lack of progress has fueled public concern.
The revelation that militants had planned temple attacks has heightened fears of renewed religiously motivated violence.
For now, the madrasa remains sealed, the suspects await trial, and investigators continue to wait for forensic reports.
