The followers of Bangla Bhai, the chief operations commander of JMJB, are learnt to have opposed his plan to surrender in view of the changed situation.

A leader of JMJB, which was banned last week for militancy, hinted that Bangla Bhai may leave for Pakistan today or tomorrow. Asked how Bangla Bhai would leave, the JMJB leader declined to provide any information.

Another source said Bangla Bhai may go to Afghanistan if he fails to go to Pakistan.

The JMJB leader said Bangla Bhai, along with a group of his followers, on Monday went to Rajshahi from Raninagar upazila of Naogaon district for surrendering to the police. But the followers requested him not to surrender.

He said Bangla Bhai and his followers at a meeting in Raninagar decided that the JMJB would continue their activities for Islamic revolution, working together with Ahle Hadith Andolon Bangladesh led by Dr Asadullah Al Galib.

Police last week arrested Galib, an Arabic teacher at Rajshahi University, for his links to militant activities across the country.

Bangla Bhai, blamed for unleashing a reign of terror in northwestern region in the name of uprooting Sarbaharas (outlaws), still remains beyond the reach of the police.

Although at least 22 people were killed and many more injured or tortured by the gang of Bangla Bhai in the last 10 months, no case has so far been filed against him.

A section of influential people within the ruling coalition, local police and administration allegedly gave shelter to Bangla Bhai.

However, Rajshahi range DIG of police Noor Muhammad said they were trying their best to catch the JMJB leader.

Masud Mia, superintendent of police in Rajshahi, who has been criticised for harbouring JMJB operatives, said no-one has filed a complaint against Bangla Bhai.

"We checked each of the press reports on JMJB operations, but we didn't find any witnesses to support the reports," he said.

But villagers allege that the witnesses are scared to disclose anything about Bangla Bhai fearing reprisals from the JMJB men.