Bangladesh is tightening security and intelligence agencies are reportedly working to disrupt terrorist threats ahead of the scheduled execution of six Islamist militants likely sometime in the next two weeks. Bangladesh’s President Iajuddin Ahmed had earlier rejected clemency appeals for the militants. Authorities have not disclosed the precise location or timing of the executions as a security precaution. Prisons Inspector General, Zakir Hassan, was quoted earlier this month as saying, “They will be hanged between 21 and 28 days after the rejection letter reaches the jail authorities.” This schedule would put the executions at roughly between March 26 and April 2, 2007.
The militants are members of the outlawed Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) group and the Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh group. The militants were sentenced to death for the murder of two judges in November 2005, the masterminding or involvement in a wave of over 500 bombing attacks in Bangladesh on August 17, 2005 , and additional attacks throughout the year that killed at least 30 and wounded 150. The six include Shayek Abdur Rahman of the JMB and Siddikul Islam Bangla Bhai of the Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh group. Both groups are fighting for the imposition of Shia law in Bangladesh.
Intelligence indicates that followers of the condemned men are regrouping and are capable of carrying out strikes. Intelligence sources are particularly concerned that the JMB may use female operatives to conduct attacks.
The United States, Britain, and the United Nations have warned constituents in Bangladesh to be on guard for possible terrorist attacks in the period surrounding the executions. The US State Department warned specifically of the threat of JMB reprisal attacks.
While the anti-corruption and security crackdowns of the interim government and military are stabilizing the country, and the efforts of security forces against Islamist militants will likely mitigate the terrorist threat, Bangladesh’s continuing instability will likely preserve a permissive environment for Islamist militants to operate and conduct attacks.
• The execution week of March 26 to April 2 is the period of greatest potential for a terrorist attack.
The Growth of Islamist Political and Militant Groups
Islamic political parties such as Jemaat-e-Islami and Islamist militant groupings such as the JMB are thought to have exploited the recent months of political crisis and instability to expand and strengthen. Jemaat-e-Islami in particular is seen as utilizing its strong grassroots social welfare programs to build support as a political alternative to the perceived neglectful, bickering, and corrupt established political parties. According to the Christian Science Monitor, Jemaat’s leaders insist their party is committed to democracy and that their aim is to push for the creation of an Islamic state through the ballot box. But many observers say their rise has contributed to an environment of intolerance and, by extension, militancy. As noted in a November 1, 2006 TRC Report, “Jemaat is thought to sponsor guerrilla groups with reportedly 15,000 fighters who operate in rural and urban areas and is suspected to be involved in suicide bombings, political assassinations, and the harassment of the Hindu community. Several suspects in the synchronized wave of nearly 500 bombings in Bangladesh in August 2005 and in Bangladesh’s first suicide bombing shortly thereafter were former members of Jemaat’s student wing.” Jemaat and its associated militant grouping are also alleged to have various linkages to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency and al Qaeda elements. Individuals within the ISI are also suspected of utilizing Jemaat, its affiliates, and Islamic extremists based in Bangladesh to harass India along its border with Bangladesh, and for supporting Islamic extremists inside India.
Thus, the presence of Islamist militants in Bangladesh remains real and significant. Islamist elements posing a terrorist threat around the executions include not only members of the JMB, but also other internally and externally-based Islamist militants and groups seeking to conduct attacks in Islamist solidarity with those set to be executed.
Security Efforts Stepped up Against Suspected Militants
The current interim government and its military backers have taken a hard line in recent anti-corruption sweeps and security crackdowns, and will likely pursue suspected terrorist elements with similar alacrity. To disrupt potential plots, security agencies have recently arrested about three dozen suspected JMB operatives. Earlier this month, ten members of the JMB and Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh were arrested during a raid on their suspected hideout. The Home Ministry has said that security is being stepped up across the country. These efforts will certainly work against the Islamist terrorist elements in Bangladesh, but the country’s continued instability will likely preserve a permissive environment for militants to operate, and with this maintain the potential for terrorist attacks.
