Dhaka: A Dhaka University laboratory assistant is among the four persons detained in connection with supplying chemicals to rebel Islamist organisations.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police in its Media Centre in Dhaka on Friday said detectives held the four persons at different places.

The arrestees are: DU soil science, water and environment department laboratory assistant Gazi Mohammad Babul, Asia Scientific shop owner Ripon Mollah, Western Scientific Company manager Mohiuddin and FM Chemical and Sons owner Nasir Uddin.

Briefing reporters, Detective Branch Joint Commissioner Monirul Islam said the names of the four came as some leaders of Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HUJI) and Ansarullah Bangla Team, who were arrested on 7 June.

During interrogation, the arrested militants revealed that they used to buy chemicals from the arrested people in exchange for money, the Joint Commissioner said.

Following their information, detectives conducted the drives in different areas on Thursday and arrested them, he added.

There are 350 authorised explosives and chemical companies in the city.

According to existing policy, the companies can supply explosives and chemical companies to industries and educational institutions after scrutinising legal documents.

During interrogation, the arrested people revealed that they had been supplying chemicals to the militant groups in exchange for money without verifying their identities as well as legal documents, he said.