Assailants, allegedly of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh, stabbed a suspected ex-JMB operative to death in the city's Uttara yesterday.

Victim Rashidul Islam of Panchagarh used to live with his wife in Uttar Khan. A third-year student at Darul Ihsan University, Uttara campus, he turned himself away from JMB about a year ago.

Police said Rashidul was convicted for a jail term in a case filed with Joypurhat Police Station in connection with the August 17, 2005 serial bomb blasts across the country.

Victim's wife Alif Nur said

Rashidul was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment.

Witnesses said three youths waylaid Rashidul around 9:30am when he was traversing the Eidgah at Uttara sector-6 on his bicycle.

"I saw a youth hit the man on his head with pistol grip and another stabbed him indiscriminately in the chest and abdomen," said Hafiz Abul Khair, a witness.

Attacked, the victim screamed for help, which prompted locals to rush to the spot. The criminals fled the scene hurling homemade bombs at the people, he added.

Rashidul was rushed to a local hospital with seven fatal stab wounds. The doctors declared him dead.

Quoting the victim's wife, Deputy Commissioner of Uttara zone Kazi Nisharul Arif said around 20 days ago, Rashidul stated in public that JMB is on the wrong track and practising anti-Islamic activities.

Rashidul was the imam (religious leader) of Karaihati Jama Masjid at Kaliganj in Gazipur.

After the programme, three to four people asked him to present evidence in favour of his claim, said victim's wife.

According to Alif Nur, Rashidul was on his way to Abdullahpur to show the evidence to the people.