Four Pakistanis among ‘militants’ held in Dhaka

DHAKA:

Bangladesh police have arrested seven suspected militants including four Pakistani nationals, they said on Saturday, accusing them of planning to commit acts of violence in the country.

The seven, who were arrested on Friday are suspected of belonging to the banned Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) outfit, police said.



“In primary interrogation, they’ve admitted that they’re activating the operation of the banned JMB. They gathered to commit acts of violence,” a police statement said, adding authorities believed the group was conspiring against the government. Dhaka police spokesman Muntashirul Islam said those arrested included four Pakistanis, the first time police have claimed Pakistanis are active in the banned group.

Police said they had seized Pakistani currency and extremist literature from those arrested, including one which spells out punishment for defaming the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).



JMB militants have been blamed for slashing the throat of a Christian pastor and a series of murders of Sufi Muslims. Bangladesh is also grappling with a series of murders claimed by the Islamic State in recent weeks. 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2015.