Neo-JMB network behind series of bomb recoveries in Savar: Police

Law enforcement agencies have uncovered new information about a suspected network of the banned militant group Neo-JMB following a series of bomb and explosive recoveries in Savar, with investigators finding possible links among several recent incidents.

Investigators said members of the group allegedly used lesser-known digital platforms for communication and financial transactions. The information came during the questioning of Mohammad Arif, a suspected Neo-JMB member arrested from Hemayetpur in Savar on Tuesday.

According to investigators, Arif told police that members of the group used a website called “Protected Text” (PT) for communication and an app called “Element” for financial transactions.

CTTC officials said the suspected members also appeared to have similar movement patterns. They allegedly carried backpacks containing weapons and explosive devices, according to investigators.

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Police said five explosive devices and three knife-like devices were recovered from a bag carried by Arif during his arrest. Investigators also recovered various materials related to explosives.

11 pipe bombs recovered after Arif's arrest

Based on information provided by Arif, police raided a three-storey house in South Shyampur, Savar, on Tuesday night and recovered 11 pipe bombs, described as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), along with a large quantity of explosive materials.

Some of the recovered materials appeared new to investigators, who are conducting chemical examinations to determine their nature and composition.

Police subsequently filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against six people, including Arif.

The following day, on Wednesday, another suspected pressure-cooker bomb was recovered from a mosque field in Sadhapur, Savar. 

The CTTC bomb disposal unit later went to the scene and neutralised the device.

Savar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Alam said a court placed Arif on a six-day remand. The case has since been transferred to the Anti-Terrorism Unit along with the case documents and accused.

Similarities found in explosives

Investigators have found similarities among explosives recovered in several recent incidents.

According to investigation sources, explosive materials, bearing balls and circuit switches similar to those found in bombs recovered from beneath the Motijheel metro rail station and a grocery shop in Ashulia were detected in the recent cases.

Investigators suspect the explosives may have contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly sensitive explosive substance. 

They are examining whether the similarities indicate an organisational link among the incidents.

Police have also identified a suspected individual in connection with an attack on police at a checkpoint in Kutubkhali, Jatrabari, on 21 February. Investigators said a youth named Rakib allegedly attacked a police member with a knife and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Five suspects linked to 11 incidents

A CTTC source said investigators have found suspected Neo-JMB involvement in 11 incidents across the country since a major explosion at a madrasa in South Keraniganj last February.

Investigators said the names of the same five individuals have emerged in connection with the incidents. 

They are Mamun alias “Bomaru” Mamun, Sheikh Al Amin, Mohammad Arif, Rakib and Bappi.

Investigators believe fugitive Mamun is leading the group. Sheikh Al Amin and Arif have been arrested, while Bappi remains at large.

Law enforcement agencies are continuing the investigation to establish the organisational links among the incidents and arrest the remaining suspects.