The capture of so called Bangla Bhai brings to five (out of seven) the number of JMB majlis-e-shura or executive council members now in custody, including the two senior-most ones. It is to be hoped that with their top two figures in custody, the entire organisation and its deadly operations can be wound up shortly, and that the threat to the country from the extremists can now be brought to an end.

The recent captures show what the law enforcement authorities are capable of when they are freed to do their jobs without undue interference and when the political will exists. All units who were involved in the recent captures as well as all who have been involved in counter-terrorism operations that have disrupted the extremists and kept them from being able to strike for the last few months deserve commendation.

We would also like to laud the key role played by the public's cooperation and sharing of information with the authorities, which demonstrates that the extremists have little hold over the common people.

Let us also take a moment here to extend the best wishes and prayers of a grateful nation to Rab Sergeant Rafi who was critically injured in the operation.

But, of course, capture of the top JMB leaders is not enough. They must be brought to justice and exemplary punishment must be meted out by the state. There is no doubt in our mind that sedition charges are appropriate and that the arrested must face the full brunt of the law for their crimes against the nation.

No less important is interrogation of the two top leaders in custody so that the nation can find out just who is behind the group in terms of financing and weapons. Already crucial and fascinating information are coming to light as to the maze of contacts that stand behind the JMB and we expect and demand much more information so that we can get to the roots of this crisis that has been plaguing Bangladesh.

The fact that the extremists have been gone unapprehended for so long raises serious questions in the public mind as to issues of collusion, sponsorship, and support. The extremists' sources of sponsorship and shelter must be rooted out, regardless of where the investigation leads us, and the entire JMB terrorist organisation must be completely destroyed. Anything less than this would create suspicion in the public mind and would also run the risk of a recurrence of the extremist threat at some later point in time.