"Motivated by some anti-Islamic and vested groups, he is trying to create a controversy, leading to a conflict and chaos-like situation," a police officer told the UNB on condition of anonymity.

The officer, who interrogated Panni for several hours, also said his followers use hammers to defend themselves.

"It is impossible to run a militant organisation like Hizbut Touhid without investing a huge amount of money," he said.

Police suspect the Hizb leader and his daughter Shahnaz Khan Panni of having links with some international fanatic and terror organisations.

Police will also talk to Shahnaz and his other family members as part of an investigation into activities of the militant group and its leader.

Panni, who has been under police remand at Fatulla Police Station in Narayanganj, has reportedly claimed of commanding some 200 devoted followers to propagate "his call about Islam". He said his followers were especially active in Madaripur, Gazipur, Barisal, Kushtia and Narayanganj.