JMB man held in India was “militants’ snatcher”: Home minister

Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) operative Anwar Hossain Faruk alias Enam, who has been arrested in India, is the main accused in the 2014 snatching of militants from a prison van in Trishal.

"We are considering that Faruq is the most wanted for snatching of JMB militants at Trishal in Mymensingh where a policeman was killed. Police have pressed charges against him over the incident and declared bounty for him," Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said.

He was talking with reporters at his ministry office after a meeting with Puja Udjapan Parishad members regarding the security arrangement during the upcoming Durga Puja.

Six suspected operatives of banned militant outfit JMB were arrested in India. Three of them, Anwar Hossain Faruk alias Enam, Mohammad Rubel alias Rafique and Zabirul Islam alias Zahid, are Bangladeshi nationals, joint commissioner (detective) of Kolkata police Vishal Garg told reporters at its headquarters yesterday.

"We have come to know that they have been arrested. If so it is big news for us," Kamal said adding that they are not yet informed about India's move.

Responding to a query, the home minister said, "We have extradition treaty with India. So, we can bring back not only Faruk, but also any other wanted criminals."

About Durga Puja, he said adequate security measures have been taken to ensure that Hindu community people celebrate their biggest festival without any hassle.

The home minister also said four Ansar members would be deployed alongside policemen in every puja mandap across the country in a bid to avoid any untoward incident.

Besides, members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be patrolling alongside police forces in the districts adjacent to the border, he added.