JMB Rajshahi 'commander' was involved with Ahab
Interrogation reveals
Our Correspondent, Satkhira
Arrested JMB (Jama'atul Mujahidin Bangladesh) Rajshahi 'divisional commander' Abul Kalam alias Shafiullah alias Tarique was involved with Ahle Hadith Juba Sangha, youth front of Ahle Hadith Andolon, Bangladesh (Ahab), led by Dr. Asadullah Al Galib, a teacher of Rajshahi University.He came in contact with JMB chief Shaikh Abdur Rahman when the later visited Satkhira in 1999, sources in intelligence agencies said. "Later on, under the directive of Shaikh Abdur Rahman, he lured poor youths from neighbouring villages like Itagachha, Kharibila, Kamal Nagar, Baliadanga to join JMB to take part in Zihad for establishing Islamic rule. He recruited and trained JMB activists", one source said. JMB chief Shaikh Abdur Rahman often visited Satkhira and took part in secret meetings, held at mosques and madrashas in Itagachha, Kharibia and Kamal Nagar areas, said a devotee at a mosque at Itagachha seeking anonymity. Abul Kalam alias Shafiullah formed 'Ketal Bahini' in Satkhira under the directive of Shaikh Abdur Rahman in 1999, police said. Shafiullah was arrested on December 17 from Rajshahi. He was driven out from their Itagachha house in Satkhira town six years ago by his father Abdur Rahman, a retired teacher at Satkhira Primary Teachers Training Institute. Abdur Rahman is also chairman of Bakal Ahle Hadith Madrasha, established by Dr. Galib, said an elderly man seeking anonymity. Before taking charge as JMB Rajshahi 'divisional commander' Shafiullah was chief of 'Ketal Bahini' in Satkhira district, said intelligence sources. Talking to this correspondent, some local people in Itagachha, a stronghold of JMB in the town, said, Shafiullah's family members belong to Ahle Hadith sect and are followers of Dr. Galib who hails from Alipur village in Satkhira Sadar upazila. On contact, Shafiullah's father said, his son's actual name is Abul Kalam. He (Shafiullah) changed his name as Shafiullah alias Tarique after joining JMB. "I drove him ( Shafiullah) out from my house when became involved with JMB". He also demanded punishment to JMB bombers who are killing people. Locals said JMB chief Shaikh Abdur Rahman joined a meeting of its activists held at a mosque at Kharbila in the name Islami Jalsa in July this year. A police official said, they have prepared a list of JMB activists in the district and are hunting for them including its suicide squad members.
| 
