DHAKA: A total of 59 cases, following the series of bomb blasts of August 17, 2005, across the country, have remained pending though it is the 9th anniversary of the attacks on Sunday.

On this day, nine years ago, around 500 bombs exploded at a time in 300 locations of 63 districts out of 64, except Munshiganj.

The explosions killed two people (a child in Savar, near Dhaka, and a rickshaw-puller in Chapainawabganj) and injuring a further 50, according to the Wikipedia.

A terrorist organization, Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) declared its emergence claiming responsibilities of the series bomb blasts at that time.

The group, led by Shaykh Abdur Rahman and Siddiqur Rahman (also known as Bangla Bhai), is alleged to be affiliated with Al Qaeda, was banned by the Government after the incident.

Also, another terrorist group, Harkat-Ul Jihad al Islami, which was associated with JMB in executing the coordinated attack, was banned too.

A number of 161 cases were filed following the attacks across the country where more than 700 militants were accused.

According to police and Rapid Action Battalion sources, after combing operation at that time, militant activities decrease in a good ratio.

247 persons have been punished in 102 cases, of which 15 got death sentences, 118 life-term and 99 different term’s prisons while 118 got releases and 35 bails.

After released on bail, the accused rejoined the militant activities which increase the threat of further militant attacks, such as the attack was launched on a prison van carrying three convicted JMB leaders from a Gazipur jail to a Mymensingh court on February 23.

Later, one was killed in a shootout with police after arrested. But two others are still absconding that causes headache for law enforcers.

However, still the trial of 59 cases is underway in several courts across the country.

Related sources told banglanews that the cases are in under trial due to the lack of witnesses. If the trial procedure of the cases completed and culprits were punished, militant activities might be reduced.

BDST: 1201 HRS, AUG 17, 2014