Dhaka: Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested a garment factory owner from Rupganj in Narayanganj district on Saturday night on charge of financing JMB's 'Sarwar-Tamim group'.

The arrestee was identified as Imran Ahmed, 37, also a Majlish-e-Shura member of Sarwar-Tamim group of Neo JMB and managing director of 'Jim Textile'.

During a media briefing at the RAB media centre in Karwan Bazar, Director (media wing) of Rab headquarters Mufti Mahmud Khan said a RAB team conducted a drive at Imran's house in Mahakhali area in the capital on June 1 but they did not find him there.

Tipped off, a RAB team conducted a drive in the area at night and arrested Imran along with his driver Shamim Miah, 29.

Mufti Mahmud said Imran got involved in militant activities through one of his friends in 2012.

"Imran used to keep jihadi books at his office, residence and factory. RAB seized the books after his arrest. Apart from providing financial support, he helped them make passports for militants. He also provided Tk 2 lakh for securing bail for militant Abdul Hakim's wife. He also gave shelter to many militants," said the RAB official.

He said Imran had connection with Sajid who fled 'Atia Mahal' militant den in Sylhet.

Mahmud also said the JMB now gives priority to invitation (Dawati) activities. A few days ago, a JMB group held a meeting at Sonatola in Bogra district where they formed a 10-member committee for carrying out invitation activities. Sajid, now on the run, is one of member of the committee.