Misinterpretation makes Sumona-Soma extremists

Staff Correspondent: Two Bangladeshi sisters, who were arrested over attacking a man in Australia and a policeman in Dhaka in separate incidents, became radicalised through misinterpretation of religion.

Monirul Islam, chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit (CTTC), told journalists in press briefing at his office on Thursday.

He said, "It is not yet to discover whether Sumona directly involved in any militancy organisation. But, both of the sisters got involved in militancy by misinterpretation of religion. In this case, Soma motivated her younger sister. She flied to Australia for higher education and got involved in militant activities."

Police said, "Australia Police arrested Soma for attacking a person in Melbourne on Friday. She was inspired by the ideology of militant organisation IS."

"Sumona made attack on a policeman while a team went there home for interrogation on Sunday night," he added.

In reply to a query, Monirul said, "Investigation in terror attack case at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan is going on. The charge sheet will be submitted at any time."

risingbd/Dhaka/February 15, 2018/Maksud/A K Azad