"In face of propaganda, both local and foreign, the coalition government has always been claiming that Bangladesh doesn't have any terrorists or militants. But the sudden ban of two organisations is a virtual confession to existence of militancy in Bangladesh," said Shaikhul Hadith Allama Azizul Huq and Mufti Fazlul Huq Aminee MP.

They said the government should check whether the allegations have any basis or are mere concoctions. They suggested that "the government discuss the sensitive issue with its coalition partners before taking any hurried decision to please the anti-Islamists."

On the arrests of people on charge of terrorism, the IOJ leaders said, "The people doubt whether the arrestees actually have any links to militant activities or the steps have been taken merely to appease a particular quarter."

"We're in politics to establish Islamic rule... Islam does never support any militant activities or terrorism. We feel that those who are engaged in such suicidal acts are the enemies of Islam and the nation," the statement said.