Almost all the attacks have been claimed by transnational Islamist extremist groups, including al-Qaida affiliates and Islamic State. Authorities have arrested suspects in some of the 18 attacks, mostly low-level operatives accused of following orders to carry out attacks but none has been prosecuted. The attacks have alarmed the international community and raised questions about whether the secular government can protect minorities and secular intellectuals in the Muslim-majority country. Police in Bangladesh have said more than 5,000 people, including 85 suspected Islamist radicals, have been arrested in recent days as they try to stop a wave of attacks on minorities and activists. Related: Inside Bangladesh’s killing fields: bloggers and outsiders targeted by fanaticsAt least 18 people, including atheist bloggers, foreign aid workers and religious minorities, have died in attacks in Bangladesh over the past two years.

Source: The Guardian June 12, 2016 22:05 UTC