"We welcome the capture of Abdur Rahman as a significant step forward in the government's response to the JMB's campaign of terror. We look forward to the capture of Bangla Bhai and the other JMB leaders still at large," a US embassy spokesman told the news agency.

The spokesman said the organisers, sponsors, and perpetrators of all acts of extremists and political violence should be brought to justice in a transparent and lawful manner.

Welcoming the arrest of Shaekh Abdur Rahman as an encouraging outcome of the fight against terrorism, a British High Commission spokesperson in Dhaka said the combat should continue with support from all irrespective of party politics so that Bangladesh does not succumb to extremism.

In reply to a question, the high commission spokesperson said, "It's encouraging that Bangladesh's government is taking action against extremists. The fight against terrorism will require a sustained effort and support from the Bangladeshi people across the political spectrum to ensure that the country does not succumb to extremism."

The British mission, whose Bangladeshi-origin custodian Anwar Choudhury was wounded in a grenade attack in the same city where the JMB chief was captured yesterday, hoped that the country would be able to 'deal with the threat without compromising respect for human rights and the rule of law'.

The European Union (EU) warmly welcomed the arrest of Shaekh Abdur Rahman, the chief of outlawed JMB that has waged a militant campaign for Islamic rule.

"The EU warmly welcomes the arrest of Abdur Rahman and the significant boost which this provides to Bangladesh's effort to combat terrorism," an EU spokesperson told the UNB.

The spokesperson said, "The EU commends the efforts of security forces and others which have led to this development."

The EU reaffirmed its continued solidarity with Bangladesh in the context of global efforts to combat terrorism.