The two death row convicts and members of the banned militant group Ansar al-Islam, who escaped from the premises of a Dhaka court, are being tracked by law enforces, claimed Harun or-Rashid, additional commissioner of Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

Those who were involved in helping the two militants escape are also under police watch, he said while briefing the media at Dhaka’s DMP media centre on Monday (November 21, 2022).

“We will arrest them anytime soon,” he added.

Also read: Five cops suspended over escape of 2 convicted militants

The DB officer said sacked army major Syed Ziaul Haque alias Maj Zia is the mastermind of planning and implementing the militants’ escape. “They are all under our watch and will be brought to justice.”

On Sunday, a total of 12 accused militants were taken to court in a case filed with Mohammadpur police station and an attempt was made to snatch four militants from there, he said.

The two militants, convicted to death in publisher Faisal Arefin Dipan murder case, were snatched by the other militants after using pepper spray on policemen, he added.

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The escapees are Md Abu Siddique Sohel alias Sakib alias Sajid alias Shahab and Moinul Hasan Shamim alias Samir alias Sifat alias Imran. They are members of the banned militant outfit Ansar al-Islam.

Regarding the gaps in security measures, DB chief Harun said strict security measures have always been maintained to bring militants to court. “But what happened yesterday is unexpected. Five policemen have also been suspended for negligence in duty.”

Stating that patrols are being strengthened and CCTV footage is being strictly scrutinized, the DB chief said, protection has been increased in bringing militants to court. “Attempts are being made to arrest every accused involved in the escaping of the militants.”

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After the incident, officials from different teams including DB Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) bomb disposal unit inspected the spot. Besides, check posts have been set up everywhere.

Police filed a case against 20 people in this connection. A five-member probe body was also formed by the Bangladesh Police on Sunday (November 20, 2022) and asked to submit its report within three working days.