Recent investigative reports have unveiled alarming details about the operations of militant groups within the prison system in Bangladesh. Two notable reports, one from our Publication BLiTZ and another from The Daily Star, highlight the escalating threat posed by Ansar Al Islam, Hizbut Tahrir, Al-Shahadat and JMB (Jamaatul Mujahedin Bangladesh). These groups are using the country’s prisons not just as a hideout but as a base for coordinating terrorist activities and generating funds. The revelations call for immediate and decisive actions to safeguard national and regional security.
On June 21-22, 2024, during the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, an agreement was signed granting India rail transit. This event has stirred political unrest, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Islamist allies launching a propaganda campaign against Indian establishments in Bangladesh. According to our previous BLiTZ report, Ansar Al Islam, a militant group with Al Qaeda connections, is plotting terrorist attacks targeting Indian business establishments in Bangladesh.
One of the most disturbing revelations is the group’s involvement in drug trafficking from Kashimpur Central Jail (Part-1) in Gazipur district. The report details a major incident on June 25, where condemned prisoners Amit Hassan and Alim Reza Khan were caught red-handed by prison authorities while communicating with an Ansar Al Islam commander in India. The involvement of prison staff, including Subedars Yunus and Karim Bhuiyan, who allegedly protect these prisoners in exchange for bribes, further complicates the issue.
The complicity of prison authorities is a critical factor in the ongoing militant activities within the prisons. Senior Superintendent Subrata Kumar Bala, who oversees Kashimpur-1 Central Jail and Kashimpur-4 High Security Jail, has been repeatedly posted to these positions over the years. This recurring appointment, reportedly influenced by an influential Awami League leader, has raised suspicions about the facilitation of illegal activities within the jail. The protection provided by this political leader has enabled the continuation of drug trafficking and communication with external militant networks.
The militants have even set up a makeshift mosque in the verandah of Cell-30, using loudspeakers for azan and jihadist sermons. These gatherings allow communication among inmates, furthering the reach of Ansar Al Islam within the prison. The authorities’ passive or active approval of these activities is alarming and indicates a severe breach in the integrity of the prison system.
The Daily Star, on July 4, 2024, reported that Neo JMB, the IS-inspired militant group responsible for the 2016 Holey Artisan Café attack, has been using cell phones from prisons for communication and operations. According to a recent police intelligence report, the group is increasing its funds through foreign donations and agricultural earnings.
One of the top leaders of Neo JMB, Abu Ruham alias Kunia, has been smuggling cell phones into jails with the help of some prison guards. The inmates then install encrypted apps like Signal, Telegram, and Wicker Me for secure communication, reported The Daily Star.
According to The Daily Star, Md Asaduzzaman, chief of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, confirmed that militants in jail are now under increased surveillance. However, the continuous smuggling of phones and financial support through mobile financing services indicate that the problem is far from being resolved.
The revelations about Ansar Al Islam and Neo JMB’s operations within the prison system are deeply troubling. These activities not only pose a severe threat to national security but also highlight the pervasive corruption within the prison system. The ability of these groups to generate funds through drug trafficking and maintain communications with external networks necessitates immediate and decisive action.
The ongoing threat demands a coordinated response from both Bangladeshi and Indian authorities. The propaganda campaign launched by BNP and its Islamist allies, coupled with the militant activities within prisons, underscores the need for enhanced intelligence and counterterrorism measures. The complicity of prison authorities, as highlighted in the reports, calls for urgent reforms and accountability within the prison system.
Addressing the threat posed by Ansar Al Islam and Neo JMB requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, there must be an immediate crackdown on corrupt prison officials who facilitate these illegal activities. Enhanced surveillance and strict monitoring of prison communications are essential to curb the smuggling of cell phones and other contraband items.
Secondly, there should be a thorough investigation into the political influence that protects corrupt officials within the prison system. Holding these individuals accountable is crucial to restoring the integrity of the prison administration.
Thirdly, a coordinated effort between Bangladeshi and Indian intelligence and counterterrorism agencies is necessary to dismantle the networks of these militant groups. Sharing intelligence and conducting joint operations can help in neutralizing the threat posed by these groups.
The revelations about Ansar Al Islam and Neo JMB’s operations within Bangladesh’s prisons highlight a significant threat to national and regional security. The involvement of prison authorities and political protection of corrupt officials exacerbates the problem, necessitating immediate and decisive action. A coordinated response from both Bangladeshi and Indian authorities, coupled with stringent reforms and accountability within the prison system, is essential to safeguarding national and regional stability.
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