The Counter Terrorism and Transnational ( CTTC) unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested two militants in connection with plotting an attack on the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (parliament) in the capital Dhaka.
The arrested persons were identified as Ali Hassan Osama, 28 and Md. Al Shakib,20, two active members of banned terrorist organization Ansar Al Islam.
Talking to Bangladesh Post, Additional Deputy Commissioner of DMP Iftekharul Islam confirmed the arrests on Thursday.
Shakib was arrested from Manik Mia Avenue near the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban area at 6:30 pm Wednesday and Ali Hasan Usama was arrested from Rajbari district at 1.30 pm on Wednesday.
One black flag, one black handkerchief for tying the head, one big sword , one laptop, three mobile phones, and radical books were recovered from their possessions.
Accused Shakib is an active member of Ansar Al Islam. He gathered 313 members after watching radical videos of some extremist speakers on social media and planned to attack law enforcers during the month of Ramadan.
To materialize the plan, , he contacted the speakers. According to their advice, accused Shakib posted multiple posts to recruit members for the planned attack through social media.
Shakib is a first year honours student in Sirajganj Government College.
Ali Hassan Osama, an extremist speaker from Rajbari Sadar, was arrested on the basis of information provided by Shakib. Osama made various videos in support of militant and terrorist activities in the name of Jihad and posted them on YouTube.
He fueled and incited Shakib to attack the front of the parliament building. According to the DMP officials, he was the Khatib of the Central Jame Mosque in Rajbari Bazar.
A case was been filed with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station under the Anti-Terrorism Act in this connection.
Arrested militants were produced before a Dhaka Court seeking a 10 days police remand.
