Nation recalls Aug 17 serial bombings today

The nation is set to recall today (Sunday) the cross-country serial bombings on August 17, 2004 with a renewed call of wiping out militancy from the country, reports BSS.
On this day, the banned Islamic outfit Jamaatul Mujahiddeen Bangladesh (JMB) carried out the synchronised attacks around 500 points in 63 districts except Munshiganj, in which two people were killed and 50 others suffered splinter injuries.
"After the attacks, a total of 161 cases were lodged across the country accusing 660 members of the JMB. Of them, 102 cases have already been disposed of while 59 cases are under trial," Media Wing Director of RAB Commander Mufti Mahmud told BSS Saturday.
Courts awarded death sentences to 15 JMB men, life term to 118, different terms of 99 others and acquitted 118 others of the charges, sources said.
"JMB activities have been brought almost under control as the first, second and third ranking leaders of the organisation have already been captured," Mahmud said.
"Still, they are trying to regroup under the banner of different organisations, but they have no strength to carry out subversive acts and of course anti-militant cells at each of the battalions of RAB are active enough to track them out, the RAB officer assured.