Extremist Leader Mohibullah Released Amid Anti-Discrimination Movement Pressure

Special Report

Mohibullah, a notorious extremist leader arrested in a counter-terrorism case, has been released from the Kashimpur High Security Central Jail in Gazipur after being imprisoned for two years. His release followed pressure from students involved in the anti-discrimination movement.

On February 4, Tuesday, at 4 p.m., Mohibullah was seen walking out of the main gate of the Kashimpur Jail with a smile on his face.

Mohibullah (50) held the position of deputy ameer in the extremist group, Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya.

His release was confirmed by Mohammad Altaf Hossain, joint-general secretary of the Central Committee of another part of the anti-discrimination movement, the Discrimination-Free Jail Release Movement.

Prior to his release, members of Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, along with other extremist groups, were waiting outside the jail to receive him. They gathered under the banner of the Discrimination-Free Jail Release Movement. As soon as Mohibullah emerged, they shouted slogans like “Naray Takbir Allahu Akbar.” Some members began praying in gratitude for his release, while others broke down in tears, embracing him.

Reports indicate that extremist group members had been working on Mohibullah’s bail for some time. They had been lobbying with various levels of Yunus Government, and their pressure led to his bail. However, delays in the bail order reaching the jail led to threats of violence against jail authorities.

Efforts to Release the Extremist Leader

On Tuesday morning at 11 a.m., the Discrimination-Free Jail Release Movement staged a human chain and protest in front of the Kashimpur Central Jail, demanding Mohibullah’s release. During the protest, extremist members gathered and chanted slogans against the jail superintendent, threatening him.

In a speech at the protest, the extremists claimed that even though the High Court had granted bail, the jail authorities were disrespecting the court by keeping the prisoners detained.

A live video circulating on social media revealed that extremist group members were intimidating the jailer for not delivering the bail order on time. The video showed one extremist member, Ataur Rahman Bikrompuri, using filthy language while threatening the jailer. Ataur is a member of the Ansarul Bangla Team (ABT), and despite being arrested earlier, he had been released after August 5th, with no details on his bail status.

As the live video spread, it sparked widespread criticism across the country, with many questioning how extremists were being allowed to behave arrogantly with jail authorities to secure the release of their leaders.

Finally, extremists carried out a victory procession with Mohibullah as they left the Kashimpur Jail premises.

Background of Mohibullah’s Extremist Activities

Mohibullah had been an influential leader in Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, a radical group with a large network in Greater Barisal. He had recruited and trained 50-60 young people in extremism. He brainwashed homeless youths, giving them a false sense of purpose, and later sent them to remote mountain areas to further radicalize them.

In March 2023, Mohibullah was arrested in a counter-terrorism case in Bilaichhari police station. He was also implicated in other cases in Demra and Bilaichhari police stations.

Following the political change in August 2023, many extremists were released from jails, including Mohibullah. The process began after the group began securing bail for these individuals, one after the other. On January 30, 2023, Mohibullah received bail in a counter-terrorism case.

Mohibullah had played a key role in the formation of Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, conducting religious indoctrination sessions and training recruits for jihad.

During his time in Dhaka, he coordinated activities with other extremists using encrypted messaging. He also worked in various regions of the country, recruiting new members and strengthening the group’s influence.