Dhaka, Sept 21: At least 18 alleged religious extremists have been arrested in central Bangladesh, reports said here today. On a tip off, police raided the residence of a BNP leader on Friday night and arrested the 18 in Faridpur district.
However, the report did not name the BNP leader.
The arrested persons, included both teachers and students of a Madrassa in Valuka in northern eastern Mymensingh district, the daily star reported today.
Before being rounded up, the leaders of the group in a sermon at Andarkota Jame Mosjid within Boalmari municipal area called upon the faithful to "wage arms struggle to establish Islam" in the country and asked the people to "procure arms" for it, daily Prothom Alo reported.
After the sermon they went to BNP leader's house, the report said.
The arrest follows the arrest of 13 activists of Hizbul Towhid in Kushtia.
Bureau Report