Ansar al Islam 'operative' arrested

The Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) yesterday claimed to have arrested a member of banned militant outfit Ansar Al Islam in Bhatara area of Dhaka.

Borhan Uddin alias Prince, 32, a Patuakhali native living in Keraniganj, was arrested at a tea stall on Monday night. He was a recruiter and motivator, said Rab-3.

Borhan used to earn money in exchange for helping service seekers at BRTA in Keraniganj.

“There were allegations that Borhan was planning subversive activities during the national election. He has attended several secret meetings as part of the plan,” read the release.

Bina Rani Das, operation officer of Rab-3, said Ansar Al Islam was allegedly forming an “operation cell” to conduct subversive activities. Based on the clue, they arrested the outfit's trainer Younus alias Asadullah on November 16 and member Abdul Wahab alias Mostafiz alias Hadi on December 12. Their information led to the arrest of Borhan, she said.

In primary interrogation, Borhan said he joined Ansarullah Bangla Team, now Ansar Al Islam, in 2010 as a follower of the outfit's chief Mufti Jashimuddin Rahmani, who was arrested in 2013.

A case was filed against Borhan with Kadamtoli Police Station.