Banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) member Mamunur Rashid Ripon, says Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

Fugitive suspect in the 2016 Gulshan attack case Ripon was arrested by the elite force on Saturday (Jan 19) from Gazipur.

“Ripon revealed during primary investigation that they were plotting to snatch other Gulshan attack suspects, who are now behind bars,” RAB media wing Director Mufti Mahmud Khan said producing the arrestee before the media at its Kawran Bazar media centre on Sunday (Jan 20).

“He told us that they were planning a snatch like the Trishal incident to stimulate other militants,” Khan said.

Six of the accused in the case are now in jail.

“Ripon was tasked with collecting funds, arranging military training and supplying of arms within the outfit,” said Khan before adding he had good communication with other militants.

According to the RAB, in 2016’s April, a group of militants-led by Ripon went to India to collect arms and explosives. Ripon sent nearly Tk 3.9m from India to use the money for the attack.

“Ripon was involved behind the supply of arms and explosives in the Gulshan eatery attack. He was also involved in a number of attacks in the northern area of the country,” RAB said.

On the plot behind the Holy Artisan attack, Mufti Khan said, “The militants had a meeting in Gaibandha in 2015. In 2016’s February they planned the Holey Artisan attack. Ripon supplied three AK-2 rifles and a pistol.”

The militants also planned to unleash violence ahead of the Dec 30 polls, added Khan.

Asked about the current leadership of the banned militant outfit, RAB spokesperson said, “They are only known by names. Militant, by the name Salehin is now active at present.”

“JMB activists, released on bail and the fugitive members of the outfit, are also trying to reorganise the group,” he added.

During Ripon’s arrest in a raid, RAB also found Tk 150,000 in his possession.

On July 1, 2016, 20 people were killed including 17 foreigners during an extremist attack on the upscale Gulshan eatery, Holey Artisan Bakery. A commando raid, the following morning eliminated five radicals who carried out the attack and rescued 13 hostages.

The trial in the brutal terror attack case begun on Dec 3, 2018, when Dhaka Anti-Terrorism Tribunal heard the testimony of the plaintiff, Gulshan police Sub-Inspector Ripon Kumar Das.

Earlier on Nov 26, 2018, the court indicted eight suspects in the case and dropped the name of Abul Hasanat Rezaul Karim as no evidence was found against the former North South University teacher.

On Jul 23, the investigation officer of the case Inspector Humayun Kabir of Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit submitted the charge sheet with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s court.

The charge sheet dropped a total of 13 names as they were killed during law enforcers’ drives at different places on different dates.