Bangladesh arrests 8 suspected Islamic militants

As part of an intensified crackdown on extremists, eight suspected militants, including a woman, were arrested in Mymensingh district.

As part of an intensified crackdown on extremists, eight suspected Islamic militants, including a woman, were arrested in Bangladesh's northern Mymensingh district.

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Four suspected activists of the banned Jamaatul Mujaheedin Bangladesh, including a woman, were arrested from Bhaluka area while four members of the outlawed Hijbul Touhid, a lesser known extremist outfit, were taken in custody by Rapid Action Battalion from their hideouts on Monday, police said.

The arrests came three days after executions of six top JMB militants.

Security forces also seized weapons, books and audio cassettes on Islamic war from the hideouts.

Law Adviser of the interim government Moinul Hosein earlier said the authorities had prepared a list of the patrons of the outlawed extremist groups and was gathering evidence to capture them as a case was filed against former Bangladesh Nationalist Party minister Aminul Haque for allegedly abetting Islamist militants.

"The patrons are still inside the country. We have their names but we are heading slowly since we lack enough evidence," Hosein told reporters.