Dhaka jails two militants for 2005 serial bombings

DHAKA - Two Islamist militants were Tuesday sentenced to 32 years’ rigorous imprisonment by a court here for their role in the serial explosions that rocked Bangladesh Aug 17, 2005.

Judge Mohammed Rezaul Islam handed down the verdict in presence of the convicts - Kawsar Alam alias Sumon and Amanullah Akhand alias Sanaullah - at a jam-packed courtroom, the Star Online said.

The two, belonging to the banned Islamist militant outfit Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), were convicted for planting several bombs at a court in Mymensingh district in the northern region.

The court, however, acquitted JMB leader Salauddin alias Salehin and eight others from the case as the charges pressed against them were not proved.

The verdict came almost five years after the serial bombings at several places across the country.

Bangladesh witnessed a wave of violence by Islamist groups, including JMB and Harkat-ul Jihad Islami (Huji) from 2001 onwards, when political opponents and minorities were targeted.

Then prime minister Khaleda Zia, heading a coalition government with the Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party, denied the activities of the militant groups, despite criticism at home and abroad.

Her government acted against the August 2005 bombings, banning some of the outfits and prosecuting their leaders, including JMB chief Shaikh Abdur Rahman and his deputy, Siddiqul Islam alias Banglabhai.