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SC To Hear On March 19 Pleas Seeking Stay On CAA Rules 2024

By LokMarg 15th March 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear on March 19 the pleas seeking a stay on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Rules, 2024, which opened implementation of CAA granting speedy citizenship to members of persecuted minority in Islamic countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra accepted the request of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing on of the petitioners in the case.

Mentioning the matter for urgent hearing Sibal said, “CAA was passed in 2019. At that time there was no rules, so no stay was granted. Now they have notified the rules ahead of elections. If citizenship is granted, it will be impossible to reverse. So the interim application may be heard.”

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, none of petitioners has any locus to question the grant of citizenship.

The bench then said it will list all the applications seeking stay on Rules for hearing on Tuesday.

The apex court also said that the whole batch comprising 237 petitions will be listed along with the latest applications.

The Central government on March 11 notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 which effectively brought into force the controversial CAA of 2019.

A day after the Central government issued the Rules for the CAA, Kerala-based political party Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the implementation of Rules.

The Kerala-based political party demanded that the impugned statute and regulations be stayed, and that no coercive steps be taken against persons belonging to Muslim community who have been deprived of the benefit of this law.

Apart from IUML, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Leader of Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saika, and Congress MP from Assam, Abdul Khaleque, and others also filed applications seeking stay on Rules.

The IUML (petitioner), which was one of the first parties to challenge the CAA before the top court in 2019, filed application seeking stay on the Rules, saying, it creates a “highly truncated and fast-tracked process” for the grant of citizenships to non-Muslim migrants from the specified countries, thereby making operational a “manifestly arbitrary and discriminatory” regime solely on the ground of religious identity.

The plea stated that Rules are manifestly arbitrary and creates an unfair advantage in favour of a class of persons solely on the ground of their religious identity, which is impermissible under articles 14 and 15 of the Indian Constitution.

The plea said, “Since the CAA is discriminates on the basis of religion, it strikes at the root of secularism, which is the basic structure of the Constitution… India’s constitutional framework, read with obligations under the international law, mandates a framework of refugee protection that is non-discriminatory.”

Plea said Act and Rules would result in valuable rights being created and

citizenship being granted to persons belonging to only certain religions, thereby resulting in a “fait accompli situation”.

CAA, passed by Parliament on December 11, 2019 and got the President’s assent the following day, met with protests all across the country. The CAA came into effect on 10 January 2020.

The law fast-tracks the process of granting citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who fled religious persecution in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan and took refuge in India on or before December 31, 2014.

The 2019 Act amended the Citizenship Act, 1955, which makes illegal migrants eligible for citizenship if they (a) belong to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian communities, and (b) are from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan. It only applies to migrants who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. As per the amendment, certain areas in the Northeast are exempted from the provision. (ANI)

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Bangladesh Islami Front Rejects India Out Campaign

By LokMarg 20th February 2024

Bangladesh’s far right political party Bangladesh Islami Front has completely rejected a recent ‘India Out’ social media campaign in Bangladesh. The campaign has sharpened after Sheikh Hasina, who is seen to be close to India, won a record fourth term in the recently concluded national elections.

S U M Abdus Samad, the Secretary General of the Bangladesh Islami Front on Tuesday hit out at the online campaign especially saying it was driven by hard-line elements who spread hate and misinformation. The Islami front is a small independent party which had put up 37 candidates in the recently concluded polls.

In an interview to ANI during his visit to New Delhi, Abdus Samad said cordial ties are crucial for both the neighbouring countries as he highlighted the increased connectivity in recent years.

“There is misinformation there since the beginning that India brought a lot of stuff from Bangladesh in 1971 and also did brutal acts. This kind of misinformation is there. So it is a must for India to show that we are not against Bangladesh, but we are friends”, said Samad.

In Bangladesh, an “India Out” campaign has sparked off on social media. Led by medical professional Pinaki Bhattacharya, who describes himself as an exiled blogger, online activist and human rights defender, the campaign called for the boycott of Indian goods following the results of the elections.

Bhattacharya’s social media followers, which number about 53000 on X and 6000 on Instagram, claim that the movement is fuelled by the Indian government’s unilateral support for Sheikh Hasina’s administration in Bangladesh. The bloggers allege that the elections in Bangladesh were neither free nor fair.

Bloggers running this campaign have been using three hashtags: #Indiaout #BoycottIndia and #BoycottIndianproducts.

A report by Digital Forensics and Research and Analytics Centre reveals that the trend of boycotts on social media does not appear natural.

“A closer examination of this trend reveals that the group that began this campaign has always been engaged in anti-India activities in Bangladesh. Several users among them, are either indirectly associated with the political parties of Bangladesh (mainly BNP), or claim to be their supporters”, said the DFRAC report.

D-FRAC is a non-partisan and independent media organisation which focuses on fact-checking and identifying hate speech.

S U M Abdus Samad reiterated that this was just misinformation being spread, and that Bangladesh has been witnessing rapid growth and development for several years under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Abdus Samad praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and said, “Since the Sheikh Hasina government came into power, there has been a growth in Bangladesh’s development. In 10-20 years, the development in Dhaka, Chittagong which we see now – if one knows about the suffering before – seeing it presently, it won’t be recognizable now”.

The Secretary General of the Bangladesh Islami Front also stressed on the continuous improvement in people to people contact and connectivity between India and Bangladesh.

“There is now train connectivity from Akhaura… Akhaura- Brahmanbaria. Trade is also happening from river fronts to Assam and Tripura. The connectivity has increased. Items are also being exported and imported to Chittagong port. There is connectivity in Ramgarh as well”, said S U M Abdus Samad.

When asked about terrorism and religious fundamentalism in South Asia and Pakistan’s role, Samad emphasized the need for an establishment in Islamabad that does not let terrorism flourish.

“Pakistan has no impact in South Asia as such. But there should be a good government there to curb terrorism. There should be a government in Pakistan, which does not let terrorism flourish in South Asia”.

He condemned terrorism and religious fundamentalism and said, “Terrorism is against Islam. Killing an innocent has no place in Islam. We are against terrorism. Someone who is a terrorist, cannot be a good Muslim”.

The message from the Islami Front leader is clear, the so called ‘India-Out’ campaign appears is confined to a small group online with support of Pro Pakistan political parties like the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist party and smaller radical parties. The campaign is unlikely to affect India-Bangladesh relations which is on solid ground. (ANI)

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Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) group NIA

NIA Chargesheets 4 Bangladeshis,1 Rohingya Among 24 In Assam Human Trafficking

By LokMarg 6th February 2024

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted 24 operatives of international human trafficking syndicates involved in the trafficking of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas of Myanmar origin into the country with forged Indian identity documents for carrying out anti-national activities.

The chargesheeted accused include four Bangladesh nationals and one Rohingya of Myanmar origin.

The chargesheet was filed on Monday, before the NIA Special Court, Assam (Guwahati) under various provisions of IPC, Foreigners Act and Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 read with Rule Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950.

A total of 29 persons were initially arrested by the NIA in massive raids conducted across 39 locations in Tripura, Assam, Jammu Kashmir and West Bengal in coordination with the State police agencies.

A large number of incriminating documents, forged Indian identity documents, bank documents and digital devices were seized during the raids.

Subsequently, based on investigational leads, four more accused were apprehended from Tripura, taking the total number to 33.

The case was initially registered by Assam Police under the Passport Act 1967 against some anti-social elements, following credible inputs that the organised human trafficking syndicates were involved in trafficking Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas of Myanmar origin into India with forged documents for carrying out anti-India activities. The NIA subsequently took over the case and re-registered it.

Investigations by the NIA revealed that international human trafficking syndicates were active along the India-Bangladesh international border in Tripura, Assam, West Bengal and other areas. These syndicates were regularly trafficking Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, and preparing forged Indian identity documents to settle them in various parts of the country.

The network also had linkages with facilitators and traffickers operating in other parts of the country and across the border, as part of a larger network engaged in human trafficking activities through the India-Bangladesh border.

Investigations further revealed that the syndicates on both sides of the border conspired and offered inducements to obtain the consent of the trafficked individuals. The accused would prepare forged Indian identity documents, and also arrange bookings, shelters, transportation and their further travel to the hinterland, as per the investigational findings.

The traffickers exploited the victims and arranged their employment in various unorganised sectors on meagre earnings and settled them in different parts of the country.

The trafficked girls and women were exploited in various other forms by practising fraud and deception, with some Rohingya women also being sold to older men for marriage.

As per the investigations, Indian ID documents were obtained by Bangladeshi nationals in connivance with local bodies on fake or forged supporting documents and certificates furnished by local officials.(ANI)

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Hasina Vows To Work With India For Economic Progress Of Her Country

By LokMarg 8th January 2024

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who secured her fifth term in the recent general elections, outlined her plans for the country’s international relations and highlighted the strong bond between Bangladesh and India.

She expressed gratitude towards India, emphasising its pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh during critical moments in history.

In a press conference at her residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka, she responded to a question from ANI about her plans for Bangladesh’s international engagement over the next five years and the ties with India, saying, “India is a great friend of Bangladesh. They supported us in 1971 and 1975. We consider India our next-door neighbour. I really appreciate that we have a wonderful relationship with India.”

The Prime Minister stressed the historical significance of India’s support during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 and the subsequent challenges faced by the nation in 1975. She hailed the enduring friendship between the two countries and reiterated the importance of India as a key ally.

“In the next 5 years, our main focus will be on economic progress and fulfilling all the work that we have started. We have already declared our manifesto, and we follow our election manifesto whenever we prepare our budget and try to fulfil our promises. The development of the people and our country is our main aim,” Sheikh Hasina added.

She further expressed her commitment to serving the people of Bangladesh, emphasising the responsibility she feels towards the citizens who have repeatedly voted for her.

“I try to work for my people. With motherly affection, I look after my people. Our people gave me this opportunity. Time and again, people have voted for me, and that is why I am here…I am just a common person but I always feel responsible for my people. I feel this is the opportunity to serve my people and ensure them a better life,” she also said.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s aspirations for the future, Sheikh Hasina outlined the country’s goal to develop a smart population, smart government, smart economy, and smart society by 2041. She emphasised the importance of training the younger generation for the challenges of the future.

“By nature, our people are very smart, and as I mentioned, we want to train our younger generation for the future. It is our target to develop the country by 2041. Smart population, smart government, smart economy, and smart society are our main aims,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

Hasina also addressed concerns about individuals with ties to terrorist organisations or engaged in illegal activities refraining from contesting elections. She asserted that the victory in elections is a result of the people’s choices and is not influenced by those avoiding participation due to such affiliations.

Hasina was re-elected for a fifth term in the national election that was conducted on Sunday amidst the boycott by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former PM Khaleda Zia, who is currently in jail. (ANI)

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After New Evidence, Sheikh Hasina Govt To File Fresh Appeal For Deportation Of Rahman’s Killer From Canada

By LokMarg 23rd November 2023

Bangladesh will be making a fresh appeal to Canada for the deportation of Noor Chaudhury — the convicted killer of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation ‘Bangabandhu’, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman — after the revelation made in a new documentary about him freely living in Canada.

Speaking to ANI, Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in Canada, said, “We are not sitting here silently and after the new evidence on the CBC documentary, we are making a fresh appeal to the Canadian government for his early deportation”.

Rahman said that Noor Chaudhury went to Canada around 28 years ago in 1996 and despite being a convicted killer in a heinous crime, he has been living there freely and the Bangladesh government is trying multiple ways to deport him.

“We have been trying all the ways and requesting the government of Canada to deport him to Bangladesh to face the verdict. This judicial process possess has been very transparent free fear. It has been certified even by Amnesty International that the accused were given all the chances opportunities to make them innocent,” he said.

The Bangladesh envoy also questioned Canada and other developed countries for their “double standard” in the name of human rights.

“Our friends (Canada) are really not about trying to appreciate our concerns and that is our problem…Canada and some other developed countries they all talk about protection and promotion of human diets. This Noor Chaudhury violated human rights with crime against humanity, still they are protecting him. They are protecting the rights of a killer but they are not doing justice to the victim and the families of the victim…this is really double standard,” Rahman added.

High Commissioner Rahman further informed that Bangladesh is going to make a fresh appeal to the Canadian government regarding the deportation of Noor Chaudhury.

“It was known to us that he was living in that house, but he had never been caught in camera…So it was only revolution was that he was spot on camera. We are not sitting idle. Every day, every moment we are taking this case. With this CBC documentary, all of them (Canadian officials) now know who they are hosting for the last 28 years. So we will be reaching out each and everybody and make a fresh appeal that the government of Canada should sit in a meaning dialogue for his deportation to Bangladesh,” he further said.

He stated that other than Noor Chaudhury, several other convicted criminals are also living freely in Canada, however, Dhaka attaches this particular case with utmost priority.

“The biggest attack in Bangladesh on July 1, 2016. The mastermind was realized in Canada. He went to Bangladesh from here so these are the things and we have clear evidence of presence of some convicted money launderers in Canada and we have also requested for their deportation,” he added.

Notably, India has also accused the Justin Trudeau administration in Canada of giving refuge to anti-India Khalistani elements. (ANI)

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World Cup 2023: Red-Hot India To Face Bangladesh Today

By LokMarg 19th October 2023

The Rohit Sharma-led red-hot team India aim to continue its winning streak in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 at home as they face Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune today.

The rivalry between India and Bangladesh has grown in recent years, as the 2011 World Cup champions have found the Bangla Tigers to be a difficult side to crack.

The two Asian cricket giants are set to clash in the 17th match of the ongoing World Cup 2023 in Pune today at 2:00 PM IST.

India, who are riding high on confidence, will back themselves to keep their winning streak alive as this match follows India’s three previous victories against Australia, Afghanistan, and their arch-rivals Pakistan. The Men in Blue have dominated the head-to-head record in ODI matches, with 31 wins in 40 total matches. On the other hand, Bangladesh has won 8 matches.

Three of India’s 31 victories over Bangladesh came at home. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has won six games at home but is yet to win a game away from home.

The last time these two Asian giants faced each other was in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023. In which, the Men in Blue lost the game by six runs.

With the exception of a rough start in the second innings of their opening World Cup match against Australia, which was overcome by a steady stand between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, India hasn’t allowed a game to slip away from them in the ongoing tournament.

Bangladesh will aim to rebound in Pune, after a victory in their first World Cup match the Tigers have suffered back-to-back crushing defeats.

In all of their defeats, the opponents gained the upper hand early in the game, forcing Bangladesh to play catch-up.

But the Shakib Al Hasan-led team will know they have everything they need to stun India. The team features a lot of veteran players, including those who have previously won against India.

India squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (Vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.

Bangladesh squad: Shakib Al Hasan (C), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Sakib. (ANI)

India Thrash Bangladesh By Nine Wickets

By LokMarg 6th October 2023

A top-class bowling spell from spinner Sai Kishore and explosive knocks from skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma helped India secure a berth in the final of the cricket tournament at the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou, defeating Bangladesh by nine wickets on Friday.

India elected to field first after winning the toss. The Indian spinners wreaked havoc on the Bangladeshi batting lineup, taking down the top order easily. At the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh was at 21/3 in six overs.

Sai Kishore, Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma were at their destructive best, reducing Bangladesh to 40/4 in ten overs. Pavez Hossain Emon (23 in 32 balls) was the top contributor till that point.

Wickets kept falling for Bangladesh, but wicket-keeper batter Jaker Ali (24* in 29 balls) and Rakibul Hasan (14) helped Bangladesh reach 96 in their 20 overs at the loss of nine wickets.

Sai Kishore (3/12) was the pick of the bowlers for India. Washington (2/15) also bowled well. Tilak, Arshdeep Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed and Ravi Bishnoi got a wicket each.

In the chase of 97 runs, India lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for a four-ball duck after he had made a century in a previous match against Nepal. But after that skipper Gaikwad and Tilak Varma started to fire quick runs for India, powering them to 68/1 in six overs.

India chased down the target of 97 in just 9.2 overs, with Gaikwad (40* in 26 balls with four boundaries and three sixes) and Varma (55* in 26 balls with two fours and six sixes) unbeaten.

“Unstoppable India! Our Men’s Cricket Team has emerged victorious against Bangladesh in the Semifinals, and enters the FINAL at the #AsianGames2022! #TeamIndia’s chase for glory continues, and we are rooting for the GOLD All eyes are on the ultimate showdown! #Cheer4India #JeetegaBharat #BharatAtAG22 #Hallabol@BCCI,” tweeted SAI Media.

India has stormed into the final and will either play Afghanistan or Pakistan in the gold medal match on October 7. (ANI)

Xi’s Absence Is Going To Be His Loss: Pankaj Saran

By LokMarg 7th September 2023

Former Deputy NSA and Ambassador Pankaj Saran said that the absence of China’s President from the G20 Summit, which is being held under India’s presidency in New Delhi, is “Xi Jinping’s loss”.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending the G20 Summit rather the delegation will be led by the country’s Premier Li Qiang, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced.

“So far as the Chinese case is concerned, the President should have come. I think his absence is going to be his loss, but he is sending his prime minister. So we will see,” he said.

Notably, the G20, which represents 80 per cent of the world’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product), 75 per cent of global trade and 2/3rd of the global population, is one of the most influential forum for global governance

“We hope that China will participate as an equal, constructive and positive participant of G20 because China’s role in the global economy is important,” he added.

Earlier this week, Quoting foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China statement read, “At the invitation of the government of the Republic of India, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India, on September 9 and 10.”

However, no reason was given in the statement about Xi’s absence from the summit.

Former Deputy NSA Saran further stressed that apart from the countries’ leaders who are not coming for G20, India should also note the presence of other countries like Mauritius, Bangladesh and a few other nations.

“I don’t think we should read too much into the attendance, because on the one hand, you have some people not coming, but on the other hand, you have a lot of other invitees who are coming, the guests of the Indian presidency, such as Mauritius, Bangladesh and a few other countries. So it’s a balance,” he added.

Moreover, he said that since the beginning, the Indian presidency has also said ‘One World, One Earth, One Future’, or ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, highlighting that India wants to reduce global tensions.

“We want to bring everyone together because the world today is badly fractured. It is a tense world. The current international order is under strain, very severe strain. The global economic outlook is not good. So there are so many challenges. If this presidency and this summit can help to contribute to improving the overall atmosphere then we have done our job,” he said.

Earlier noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s absence will not cast a shadow on the G20 Summit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said there have been presidents or Prime Ministers who for some reason have chosen not to come for global meetings and that country’s position is reflected by the representative present on the occasion.

“I do not think it has anything to do with India. I. I think whatever decision they make, they would know best,” Jaishankar said.

In August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit during which he highlighted India’s concerns over the unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), in Ladakh.

The two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials “to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation”. (ANI)

Indian Shuttlers Shine At Badminton Asia Junior C’ships

By LokMarg 12th July 2023

The Badminton Asia Junior Championships witnessed an outstanding display of skill and determination as Indian young guns made their mark in the round of 64 stage at the tournament held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday.

Backed by the support of BAI, SAI, REC, and Yonex, 6 singles players and one doubles pair won their matches and reached the round of 32.
In the boys’ singles category, Lakshay Sharma demonstrated an exceptional level of dominance, securing a resounding victory of 21-9, 21-9 against M Joy of Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Ayush Shetty emerged triumphant in a thrilling three-game match against Al Fajri of Indonesia with a final score of 21-14, 18-21, 21-19.

Samarveer also exhibited his remarkable skills, securing a hard-fought victory of 21-19, 21-19 against Awan Usman of Hong Kong. However, Dhruv faced a tough challenge against Yudai Okimoto of Japan and unfortunately succumbed to a 13-21, 13-21 defeat.

In the girls’ singles category, Anmol Kharb displayed her class and stroke play as she called the shots during her match against Akansha Raj of the UAE, clinching victory with an impressive score of 21-7, 21-8. Rakshitha Sree triumphed over Phuong Bui of Vietnam with a score of 21-17, 21-15 whereas Shriyanshi Valishetty also came out on top by securing a convincing win of 21-11, 21-14 against Nayonika Rajesh of the UAE.

In the mixed doubles category, Arul Murugan and Srinidhi showcased steller coordination and outplayed Deng Chi and Hoi Liu of Hong Kong with a score of 21-17, 21-8.

The duo of Samarveer and Radhika Sharma will play their round of 64 mixed doubles matches later tonight.

As the Badminton Asia Junior Championships continue, the winners of today will play in the round of 32 next tomorrow. (ANI)

Wanted Al Qaida Terrorist Ikramul Haque Arrested In B’desh

By LokMarg 8th July 2023

India’s ‘most wanted’ Al Qaida terrorist, Ikramul Haque alias Abu Talha was arrested in Bangladesh along with his wife in a raid recently, Bangladesh daily Prothomalo reported.

Ikramul Haque was apparently arrested from the Sabuj Bagh area of the capital Dhaka.
He was arrested on May 30, soon after the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) officials of Dhaka came to know that Abu Talha, the top leader of the Dawah wing of the international terrorist organization Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), got involved in militancy while studying in Deoband, India.

Quoting CTTC as saying, Prothomalo reported that CTTC, the crime unit of Dhaka said Ikramul and his wife Faria Afreen were arrested from the city’s Madartek area on 30 May and are now in jail.

The duo were remanded several times.

The Daily Prothom Alo is a daily newspaper in Bangladesh, published from Dhaka in the Bengali language. It is the largest circulated newspaper in Bangladesh.

According to a Dhaka-based intelligence source, India’s ATS has been seeking Ikramul since last year, Prothomalo reported.

Later, they discovered the individual had escaped to Bangladesh. At the halfway point of this year, information about him was provided to Bangladesh’s intelligence services. One month before obtaining the information, CTTC had detained him, which that intelligence was unaware of at first.

CTTC officials also stated that Ikramul’s wife Faria Afrin is also a member of the women’s wing of the militant group.

Moreover, Abu Talha also fraudulently obtained Indian citizenship in the name of himself and his wife Faria Afrin Anikar. Indian Aadhaar cards and passports were also found in their names.

The Head of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) of Dhaka and Additional Commissioner of DMP Asad Uz Zaman told Bangla Tribune, ‘Ikramul Haque alias Abu Talha is the top leader of AQIS. There are at least 10 cases against him in India. He was most wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies. Recently, after some Bangladeshis were arrested as members of AQIS in Gujarat, they also named Abu Talha as a recruiter. Abu Talha along with his wife was arrested in a raid recently.”

According to sources, in October 2022, the Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested 8 AQIS members from Bhopal in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Some of the militants arrested at that time were Bangladeshi nationals. During interrogation, they identified Inamul Haque alias Abu Talha as their top leader to Indian law enforcement agencies. \

On May 24 of this year 2023, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested 4 more AQIS members from Gujarat, India. All four of them were Bangladeshi citizens. During interrogation, they gave information to Indian Law Enforcement Agencies about Ikramul Haque alias Abu Talha as their recruiter, the sources said.

CTTC officials said that they got information about Abu Talha after arresting a militant named Khaled Saifullah from Narayanganj in 2011.

Abu Talha was then known as ‘Maulana Sabet’ in the militant group.

Khaled Saifullah then informed the Counter Terrorism Unit officials that Maulana Sabet was the top leader of AQIS. He regularly trained and recruited members for AQIS in India and Bangladesh by being in India.

According to CTTC sources, first, he went to India on a tourist visa and was admitted to Deoband, but later he collected an Indian Aadhaar card in the name of Noor Hossain.

The crackdown against AQIS started in India with the arrest of a prominent Bangladeshi leader of the terrorist organization by Assam Police in March 2022. According to sources, the arrest was a result of several months of intelligence operations run by Assam Police going back to at least September 2021. Subsequently, there have been more than 50 arrests all across the country. The latest of these was by Gujarat ATS last month where 5 AQIS operatives from Bangladesh were arrested.

Notably, the intelligence agencies of Bangladesh received information on Abu Talha in the middle of this year, Prothomalo reported. CTTC had arrested him one month before receiving the information. (ANI)