Bangladesh security probing link between UK charity and madrassa

Dhaka, Mar.26 (ANI): Bangladesh security forces are probing a possible link between a British-based charity and an Islamic school after a raid uncovered a "terrorism training" facility.

The country's specialist Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) found guns, grenades and ammunition at the madrassa located 60 miles south of Dhaka. Leaflets about jihad (holy war) were also found, along with equipment for making bombs.

"We suspect that it has been used for terrorists - for training and attacking," said Lt.Cdr. Mamunur Rashid, an RAB deputy director, speaking from the southern Bangladeshi city of Barisal.

"We recovered 10 guns, 3,000 rounds of ammunition and about 2,500 parts for grenades," The Independent quoted him as saying further.

The security forces say the madrassa on the island of Bhola was operated by Green Crescent Bangladesh UK, which is registered as a charity in Britain with offices in Green Pastures, Stockport.

The school is surrounded by water and has a drawbridge that prevents locals from accessing it. The charity also ran an orphanage at the location.

The charity's website says it was founded in 1998 by students "from the United Kingdom and Bangladesh who believed that individuals with vision are capable of changing society in a positive way and decided to do whatever possible to make life that much better for those who have very little". (ANI)