All concerned police stations in Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogra and Natore yesterday received the order after the arrests of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) chief Abdur Rahman and second-in-command Bangla Bhai.

"We now have no sympathy for the militant linchpins as we have already gathered enough documents and evidence of their atrocities," a Rajshahi police official told The Daily Star showing a copy of the order.

"We're inviting everyone to come forward and file complaints, if they have any, without fear," said the police official asking not to be named.

"We have completed investigations into several cases and are ready to press charges against Bangla Bhai. Once we get the green signal from the higher authorities, we'll submit the charge sheets," said another police official.

The official declined to be identified and said they would record new cases against Bangla Bhai and his men if the tortured people want to.

Earlier, investigations into the killings and torture by Bangla Bhai and his men in the northern districts in 2004 were brought to a complete standstill.

'Lack of complainants, evidence and witnesses' is what the Rajshahi police have so far shown as an excuse. But the victims' families have always held responsible the law enforcers' indifference to take action against the militants.

Bangla Bhai and his cadres killed at least 22 people as reported in newspapers and tortured many others between April 1 and July 31 in 2004.

Police submitted the final report in the case for murdering Monwarul Hossain Babu of Naldanga, Natore in Bagmara.

In the cases for murdering Diponkor Roy of Atrai in Naogaon, Golam Rabbani Mukul of Konopara in Bagmara, Bangla Bhai was found to be directly involved.

Golam Mostafa Babul alleged police did not record his case for murdering his brother Golam Rabbani Mukul.

On April 22, Mosharraf Hossain of Belgharia was killed at the diktat of the JMB chief and the case still hangs in the balance.

Saiful was killed at Peergachha in Natore on April 26 and police recorded just a general diary.

Dafadar Jamir Uddin was killed at Kashiabari in Atrai but police have no case or information about the killing.

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Gruesome torture tales It was May 19, 2004 in Naogaon. Bangla Bhai-led Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB) abducted Idris Ali Khejur, Abdul Qayyum Badshah and Bashar at Simba in Raninagar and Ala at Sharia in Atrai to avenge the murders of two militants by outlaws.