Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (Awakened Muslim Masses of Bangladesh), also known by the acronym JMJB, is an Islamist extremist organisation based in Bangladesh, especially around the country's north-western region. The Government of Bangladesh has classified JMJB as a terrorist organisation and banned it. It is related to Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, and is described by Bangladesh Police as an off shot.
Contents
Early history
Formed in the late 1990s in Bagmara Upazila in Rajshahi District, JMJB came into spotlight through its murder spree in the North-western region of Bangladesh. In the early days it received support from some in the government to tackle communist insurgent. The group also attacked Awami league politicians with the support of the BNP-Jammat-I-islami government. According to US diplomatic cables released by wikileaks, the then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's son Tariq Rahman requested the release of JMJB leader to the home ministry. In 23 February 2005 the organisation was banned by the government.
Leadership
Their leaders include its chief Siddikul Islam alias Bangla Bhai, and Shaykh Abdur Rahman. After the Government of Bangladesh proclaimed a large reward for the capture of Bangla Bhai, he was captured by police and Rapid Action Battalion in Mymensingh District on 6 March 2006. JMJB is run by three leaders Muhammad Asadullah Al-Ghalib, Bangla Bhai, and Shaykh Abdur Rahman. Bangla Bhai, and Shaykh Abdur Rahman were executed on 30 March 2007.
Ideology
The JMJB is extremely critical of the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, which it deems as heretical due to the latter's participation in the Bangladeshi political establishment and patronisation of secularism and sacrilege of Islamic values and principles. The Group is inspired by the ideology of the Afghan Taliban. They were patronised by some Bangladesh Nationalist Party government members to attack left-wing guerrilla movement by Purbo bangla Communist Party. They wanted to establish sharia law in Bangladesh.