report in The Daily Star, July 25, 2023
With the arrest of the ameer of militant outfit Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya yesterday and arrest of its many top leaders and operatives earlier, the group has lost much of its strength, said officials of Rab and CTTC.
The law enforcers had previously identified the group as a serious security threat due to its combat training, operational tactics, and activities.
Members of the elite force arrested ameer of Jama’atul Ansar Anisur Rahman alias Mahmud, 32, raiding his rented house in Louhajong of Munshiganj around 3:00am.
Anisur’s two associates Kazi Soraj Uddin alias Siraj, 34, and Mahfuzur Rahman Bijoy, were also arrested during the drive along with firearms, ammunition, bomb-making materials, radical contents, and cash.
In addition to his connections with Ansar al-Islam leaders, Mahmud met with top militant Maj (sacked) Zia on multiple occasions and received Tk 15 lakh from Ansar Al Islam. Both groups also signed an agreement, with Ansar al-Islam providing IT and security training to Jama’atul Ansar members while receiving combat training in return.
Earlier on June 23, the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit arrested Jama’atul Ansar’s top leader and founder Shamin Mahfuz and his wife from Demra. Rab has so far arrested 75 including the group.
“Jama’atul Ansar has lost much of its strength with the arrests, but the group may rear its head again under a new leadership,” said Khandaker Al Moin, director legal and media wing of Rab. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/jamaatul-ansar-now-under-control-3377876
