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Since the change of heart in the country on August 5 last year, hundreds of people accused in various cases of militancy have been released on bail. According to the prison authorities, this number is more than three hundred so far. Among those released on bail are suspects, under trial, and even life-sentenced people.

Analysts say that among those released on bail, there are innocent people who were detained under the militant label during the previous government, as well as those involved in various militant activities who have used this time as an opportunity.

Regarding how many people accused in militant cases have been released on bail, Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Md. Motaher Hossain said that the number is more than three hundred. He said, ‘Three hundred plus prisoners have been released, many of whom may have been involved in various militant-related crimes. The government is quite aware of this and has taken action against those who were involved in heinous crimes or were directly involved in various criminal activities. Many of them have also been re-arrested.’

Meanwhile, in the eyes of many, extremist activity has been visible in several incidents in Bangladesh since August 5. The banned organization Hizb ut Tahrir has held the March for Khilafat program demanding the establishment of a caliphate. In the last eight months, the destruction of shrines, attitudes towards women, and mobs in various places, and most recently, attacks on business establishments on the day of the program in support of Palestine, vandalism, and looting have set a bad precedent.

What is the interim government’s position on these issues?

The interim government says that no extremism or militant activity will be tolerated in Bangladesh. Mahfuz Alam, information advisor to the interim government, mentioned that action has been taken against those involved in the March for Khilafat program, the demolition of shrines, attacks on minority communities and the latest vandalism.

Regarding bail in the militant case, the advisor said, “Some people have avoided that path. Jasim Uddin Rahmani has made a statement and said that he does not want to walk this path anymore. Everyone who has been released is under surveillance. The intelligence agencies and the state are very sensitive about them. If they do anything, the government will take action. We want the judicial process to be followed. But we are keeping them under surveillance.”

Mahfuz Alam said, “Zero tolerance for militancy. The government will be strict, they are under surveillance, if there is any kind of incitement or any kind of extremist activity, the government will arrest them. Those who pose a threat to the state are being kept under surveillance, and if any of their activities are anti-state, legal action will be taken against them immediately. This is the position.’

Regarding the release of more than three hundred people on bail in the last eight months, he said, many of them have been arrested again. However, Mahfuz Alam said that the Home Ministry has information about how many people have been re-arrested. However, when contacted, the Home Ministry did not receive any specific information on this matter.

In addition, the government claims that law enforcement agencies are working to arrest prisoners who have escaped from jail and members of banned organizations. But no statement was received from the police chief and the Home Advisor on this matter. Source: BBC Bangla

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