Ex-JMB boss indicted in militancy case

Former chief of outlawed militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) Moulana Saidur Rahman was indicted yesterday for the third militancy related case for creating subversive activities in May 2010.

Earlier, he was also indicted in two other militancy related cases which are pending with two other courts for trial.

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A Dhaka court yesterday framed charges against Saidur Rahman and two others in connection with a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The other two accused are JMB ehsar (full-time) members Abdullah Hel Kafi and his wife Ayesha Akhter.

Saidur Rahman, now in jail custody, pleaded not guilty and demanded justice after Judge Kamrul Hossain Mollah of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court framed charges against him.

Kafi and Ayesha went into hiding after obtaining bail from the High Court. Charges were framed against the couple in absentia.

The court fixed March 15 for starting trial of the case.

Earlier on May 25, 2010, police arrested Saidur and two others at a house adjacent to Nur Mosque in the city's East Dania area. During the raid, police recovered a huge cache of bomb-making materials, firearms and ammunition and jihadi books.

A case was later filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act against Saidur and two others with Kadamtoli police.

According to the prosecution, it was alleged that Saidur and others had planned to create anarchy by committing subversive activities across the country.

After an investigation into the allegation, police pressed charges against Saidur Rahman and two others on October 23 the same year.

The Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court later transferred the case to the Special Judge's Court-6 for its disposal and it started the trial. But it was learned that the investigation officer did not get any approval for taking cognisance from the home ministry which was mandatory.

The case was later sent back to its previous court for the next course of action. The sessions court then sent a letter to the home ministry for its approval on September 8, 2015.

The ministry on August 26 last year gave its approval for taking cognisance.