Edit in Prothom Alo, Aug 18, 2017 at 1250pm
Despite the government’s continued anti-militant operations, the discovery of militant dens and their preparations for further attacks is alarming. As one operation ends, fresh militant activity comes to light. This indicates the strength of the militants.
The traditional Hindu Rath Jatra was halted about a month ago in fear of possible militant attacks. And a young man, Saiful Islam, was killed in a shootout in Olio Hotel on Panthapath in the capital city on 15 August, near Bangabandnu’s historic residence. Senior officials of the law enforcement said he was preparing to attack visitors who came to lay wreaths at Bangabandhu’s portrait on 15 August.
If the militants can come to the centre of the capital and prepare for a bomb attack, then questions arise concerning the efficacy of the government’s anti-militant operations and their claims of successfully annihilating the militants.
According to Prothom Ali reports, Neo-JMB is adopting a new strategy, changing their target to crowded public places. It is obvious that the law enforcement’s anti-militant drive has not deactivated them. Despite almost all political and social forces of the country united against the militants, they still remain active. That means that the present initiative is not adequate.
There is also much talk of the lack of coordination among the various forces and intelligence agencies engaged in the anti-militancy operations.
There are legal loopholes too. Though many of those responsible for the simultaneous explosion of 500 bombs in 63 districts on 17 August 2005 were caught, several of them came out on bail and are attempting to reorganise. Many of the cases are under trial. Some militants are even active behind bars.
JMB was banned in 2005. About a decade on, Neo-JMB emerged, but this outfit has not been banned as yet. Yet the brutality of this organisation has surpassed all such violence of the past. The question naturally arises: why’s the government not banning Neo-JMB?
Security analysts say that political and social awareness is required to be rid of militancy. But there are doubts as to how attentive the government is regarding this issue. The government must understand that the problem is not just one of law and order. If militancy is to be uprooted from the society, there is need for an all-out drive and social uprising.
http://en.prothom-alo.com/opinion/news/156717/Why-is-Neo-JMB-not-banned
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