Narayanganj, Nov 11: Amid a slide in the law and order following the sensational seven murders and a large-scale trade in contraband narcotics, people of Narayanganj are now in a fear of militancy.
The fear stems from the unearthing of a bomb-making laboratory of militants at Fatullah in Narayanganj.
The operation leader of Harkatul Jihad Al-Islami (HuJI), Mohammad Khairul Bashar alias Ibrahim (30), who has been arrested by the CID police of Dhaka, is known to be a resident of Narayanganj.
He worked as an Imam of the New Jame Mosque of Salehnagar under Bandar Upazilla. Ibrahim worked as the Imam for the last four years. On completion of training in militant activities from Pakistan, Ibrahim, known as a 'good man' among the locals, used to organise militancy in the port area, according to sources.
Ibrahim's residence is in Noadda area of Bandar Nabiganj.
The news of his arrest on November 3 by the CID police from Dhaka's Saidabad area created mixed reactions  among people in the Bandar area.   
Distinguished persons of Narayanganj believe it was the failure of the law enforcers in detection of his militant activities for long time.
But a visit to Bandar Salehnagar area, revealed interesting facts about HuJI commander Ibrahim. After Magreb prayer there was a gathering near the new mosque. Everybody was expressing sorrows for Ibrahim Huzur.
Some said "Huzur is a good person. He used to give good advice to many Musullis during the last four years. Can a person like him be a militant?" It was learnt that Ibrahim was appointed as Imam to that mosque by Mir Jafar, the President of the mosque committee.
Last month his younger brother was arrested with arms by the police. When he was telephoned to know about Ibrahim he did not respond. It was gathered that a theft was committed in his room a few days ago.
Breaking open the lock of his room all belongings including various documents of his room were stolen. Ibrahim had some suspicious activities too, locals said. Once or twice a month some people used to visit come to him in microbus at dead of night.
"I do not know whether he went to Pakistan or not, but I have heard he went to India for obtaining degree from Deoband Madrasa, a local person said.
According to a CID police source trained in Pakistan Ibrahim is a dangerous militant. Because of his ability to hypnotise common man meritorious Ibrahim was given the post of operation commander.
 Ibrahim played an important role in organising a new group called "Bangladesh Jihadi Group" composed of different organisations including banned Hijbut Tahrir, Hijbut Tawhid, JMB and Allahar Dal.
He used to maintain communications with jailed HuJI leader Maulana Abu Saeed. Ibrahim used to collect big sums of money from some patrons of Narayanganj.
Different types of highly explosive substances were found in the laboratories which were unearthed in Dhaka and Fatullah.
 Those explosives had not been used in Bangladesh. About fifty five types of explosive and bomb-making material have been confiscated from the laboratories.
 The amount of chemicals found in the laboratories could be used for making 300 powerful detonators.
They got ready to manufacture 25 detonators which could instantly kill 25/30 persons and wound several others at a public gathering. Ibrahim got 'tactical trainings' in bomb-making, planting bombs at target places and explosion of bombs successfully, at a secret training centre in Pakistan.