Linkages
Not much is known about the outfit’s external linkages although Maulana Rahman claimed in an interview on 13 May 2004, that "My travels abroad are no secret. We don't have links with any foreign organisation." He also added that "We don't have direct links with the Taliban either. The Taliban wanted to establish the ideals of Allah. They did their part with courage."
Reports indicated that the JMJB is supported by certain members of the ruling Bangladesh National Party (BNP). The former Deputy Minister for Land, Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu, was allegedly linked to the outfit. The first rally of the JMJB was reportedly addressed by Bagmara's BNP Joint Secretary, Besharat Ullah, indicating the degree of support that the vigilante outfit enjoys within the ruling coalition.
According to the New Nation, while the Cabinet Committee on law and order led by Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiya ordered the arrest of Bangla Bhai for taking what they said law in his own hands, the three ministers belonging to Rajshahi – Aminul Haq, Fazlur Rahman patal and Ruhul Kuddus Dulu – opposed the police action saying the JMJB were on a ‘pro-people mission’ freeing the northern region from the left-wing extremists.
JMJB also enjoyed support among certain sections of the Police. For instance, Noor Mohammad, Divisional Inspector General of Police in Rajshahi, reportedly told Daily Star on 5 May 2004, that Bangla Bhai and his operatives were assisting the law enforcers in tracking down the left-wing outlaws. According to him, "We've asked police stations to support them whenever they go to catch outlaws." Reportedly, he justified such an action by indicating that "You know Sarbahara men have been quite active in the region for many years and it is not possible for the undermanned and under-equipped police to hunt them down. Aziz is now helping us."
The JMJB chief Maulana Rahman is known to have visited Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. He has allegedly secured help from Saudi charities to build some mosques and seminaries, from where the group is known to operate.
Media reports also indicated that the JMJB is akin to JMB that fought with the police from a secret training camp at Khetlal in Jaipurhat district in August 2003. After the gun-battle, a number of its cadres fled, leaving behind many documents indicating the outfit's subversive plans. Although police could not then arrest Rahman, they detained his brother Ataur Rahman Ibne Abdullah and 18 other militants. A few days later, police released the militants and the higher authorities allegedly transferred several police officials involved in the Khetlal operation. Rahman was quoted in The Daily Star on 17 May 2004, as saying, "our workers from Bogra, Jaipurhat, Rajshahi, Rangpur and other adjacent areas gathered in Khetlal to attend a meeting. But conspirators misled the police saying militants have gathered there. Police raided the place on wrong information. But they did not find any firearms."
Read more about this topic: Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh