Two snatched militants are inside country: Police

Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit’s chief Asaduzzaman at a press briefing on Saturday

Two death row convict militants who were snatched from the court premises in Dhaka are residing inside the country. The law enforcers are conducting drives to arrest these militants.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s (DMP) additional commissioner and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit’s chief, Asaduzzaman revealed this information at a press briefing at the DMP media center on Saturday.

Asaduzzaman said some militants snatched their leaders Abu Siddiq Sohel and Moinul Hasan Shamim from the court premises on 20 November after six months of planning. Sohel’s wife Fatima Tasnim alias Shikha was directly involved with the planning. The militants held several meetings at a house in Narayanganj’s Rupganj before the execution of the plan. The incident took place under leadership of militant leader Moshiur Rahman alias Ayman.

CTTC chief said, Fatema Tasnim got involved with militancy through her brother Mozammel Hossain alias Saimon in 2014. Later she got married to militant leader Abu Siddiq, who was later arrested over killing of blogger Avijit Roy, Jagrity Prokashan’s publisher Faisal Arefin Dipan and some others. Fatema maintained close contact with incarcerated Abu Siddiq.

Asaduzzman said 10 to 12 militants were involved with the escape of the two militants.

Two women on remand

A court has granted a five-day remand for Fatema Tasnim and Husna Akter, who were arrested in connection with the escape of the militants from the court.

Dhaka’s Chief Metropolitan Megistrate Court granted the remand today, Saturday.

Police produced the duo before the court and sought 10 day remand for them.

A total of 17 persons have so far been arrested over the incident, police sources said.