Bangladesh Executes JMB Militants Ahead of Schedule

By Animesh Roul

After months of speculation, Bangladesh authority has reportedly executed six Jama’atul Mujaheedin Bangladesh (JMB) militants in the early hours of March 30 (Friday). The six militants - Shaikh Abdur Rahman, Siddiqul Islam, Abdul Awal, Khaled Saifullah, Ataur Rahman Sunny and Iftekhar Hasan Al-Mamun were executed in four separate prisons in Bangladesh.

One of the convicted militants, Asadul Islam alias Arif, is still at large.

While Siddiqul Islam (notorious as Bangla Bhai) and Abdul Awal were reportedly executed at Mymensingh Central Jail, Shaikh Abdur Rahman and Khaled Siafullah were executed at Comilla district jail and at Pabna jail respectively. The other two, Ataur Rahman Sunny and Iftekhar Hasan Mamun executed at Kashimpur jail. (The Daily Star, March 30, 2007.)

They were sentenced to death for their role in the November 2005 suicide attack on two judges in Jhalakathi.

As per the Prison rule, the jail authority has to reschedule the date of execution within 21- 28 days of the receipt of the rejection of mercy petition letter from Presidential office. Not surprisingly, the execution took place well ahead of the (circulated) scheduled time to deceive militants who have been planning major attacks on jails to ensure the release of the jailed terror kingpins. The role of media in this regard was immense as they circulated probable dates to mislead JMB operatives.

Some Related Posts/Articles on Bangladesh and JMB Militancy

“Despite Setbacks, JMB Remains Resilient in Bangladesh”, Terrorism Focus, Jamestown Foundation, Volume 4, Issue 7, March 27, 2007.

“Bangladesh: Thousands of Militants on the Prowl and on Jama'atul Mujahideen Payroll!,” Counterterrorism Blog, March 21, 2007.

“Bangladesh Awaits Terror Executions, Fears Jihadi Resurgence,” Counterterrorism Blog, March 07, 2007.

“Bangladesh under Emergency: Islamic Militants Might Have Free Run Amid Chaos,”
Counterterrorism Blog, January 11, 2007.

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