Fleeing prisoner held with two bomb-like devices

Police have arrested Jewel Bhuiyan alias Ostad, who escaped from Narsingdi District Jail, with two bomb-like devices in Demra’s Sarulia area of Dhaka.

Police and the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) conducted a joint operation in West Nijhumbag on Sunday afternoon and arrested Jewel. Another suspected associate, identified as Arif Chowdhury, was also detained.

Police said Jewel’s movements appeared suspicious, prompting officers to search him. Two bomb-like objects were recovered from his possession. Following initial questioning and verification, law enforcement officials claimed they found information indicating his involvement with militant activities.

According to police, Jewel had previously been associated with the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir organization. While in prison, he reportedly became close to Nazmul Hasan Mamun alias Bombaru Mamun, an alleged bomb-making expert linked to the banned Neo-JMB. Police said the two continued their activities together after Jewel’s release.

Jewel escaped from Narsingdi District Jail on July 19, 2024, but was rearrested six days later. Police said he was released on bail in September of the same year.

Law enforcement agencies allege that Jewel is a member of Neo-JMB and a close associate of Bombaru Mamun. Legal proceedings against him over alleged militant activities are underway.