"The government notices with concern that two organisations called Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh and Jama'atul Mujahideen have been carrying out a series of murders, robberies, bomb attacks, threats and various kinds of terrorist acts causing deaths to peace-loving people and destruction of property," the press note read.

It said these people have been trying to create a social unrest by misleading a group of youths misusing their religious sentiments.

"Under the circumstances, the government announces enforcement of ban on all activities of Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh and Jama'atul Muhjahideen. Their so-called leader Dr Asadullah al Galib has already been arrested. Meanwhile, police have been ordered to intensify their activities to arrest JMJB leader Bangla Bhai," the note continued.

Explaining the background of the tough stance, the government press-note said several incidents of attacks, bomb attacks and blasts have been carried out in the recent past on social, cultural and religious functions and several branches of Brac and Grameen Bank in different areas of the country.

It said the incidents prompted the government to intensify police vigil all over the country, resulting in 'red-handed' arrests of a number of suspects in Bogra, Joypurhat, Sirajganj, Gaibandha, Moulvibazar, Gopalganj, Dhamrai and Savar. The police operations also led to seizures of explosives and 'objectionable books and booklets'.

"According to the confessional statements of a number of the arrestees, they all are members of Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh and Jama'atul Mujahedin [, and] they are engaged in such criminal activities to achieve their objectives," the press-note said.

"The government wants to inform all that such activities will not be tolerated," announced the note, adding, "The government is determined to take legal measures against whoever is engaged in terrorism or activities to frustrate peace and discipline."