entire nation is relieved at the news of the arrest of Shaikh Abdur Rahman, one of the most wanted leaders of the outlawed JMB. The infamous Shaikh was taken into captivity with considerable tact and caution reflecting a high degree of professionalism on the part of the law enforcing agencies involved. But for the tactful and well-thought-out strategic raid, the entire operation could have ended in a fiasco. This arrest will go some way in restoring the dwindling confidence in our law enforcing agencies and at the same time dispel people's concern about the overall sincerity of the government in dealing with the prevailing situation arising out of countrywide terrorist acts.

But let's not lose sight of the fact that popular pressure to hunt down the masterminds and perpetrators of the unprecedented and hitherto unheard-of phenomenon of near-simultaneous bombings across the country and the spontaneity with which public cooperation was forthcoming in ferreting out the militant leader played a crucial role in booking him at long last.

It is basically a reflection of our national psyche for and an inherent commitment to building and consolidating a society of moderation and tolerance that has triumphed -- for all to see. This should help erase any trace of doubt in any mind about our country's and people's ability to defend the values of a free, moderate and tolerant society. Bangladesh's image should be that much higher now.

With this landmark arrest, given continued combined efforts of the people, vigilance of all political parties, a determined political will of the government and the tenacity of the law enforcing agencies we should now be able to haul up not only the infamous Bangla Bhai, alias Siddiqul Islam, but also succeed in unearthing the mystery surrounding the rising spectre of militancy in the country over the past several years.

But the real work has only just begun. So long as the extremist networks and resource bases are not fully demolished and the tentacles they have already spread inside the country completely neutralised, we must not rest on the oars of some isolated successes, however inspiring they may be.