"We have already tentatively identified the patrons of the organisation [JMB]," Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nur Mohammad told a private television channel.

"There were patrons behind the militants and by this time we have almost identified them. We have got names of persons involved with the organisation from the militants arrested so far. We have area-wise lists and we are proceeding based on this," he said.

Law Adviser Mainul Hosein said the patrons will face the same punishment if they are found guilty.

"The law enforcers are looking for the godfathers. If they are netted and we come to know about their role, they will face the same punishment," he told private TV channels yesterday.

The law adviser said a lot of information has been gathered from the statements given by the militants to police.

Mainul said they need to investigate who worked as the godfathers behind the militancy. "I think those who gave political backing to the militants are in the country," he said.

The IGP said a process of filing cases against the patrons and collecting evidence and witnesses is going on. "Soon we will be able to bring them to book," he said.

Six top militants including JMB chief Abdur Rahman and his second-in-command Siddiqul Islam alias Bangla Bhai were executed two days ago, but the patrons and masterminds of their militant activities have remained untouched.

Meanwhile, a case was filed with Bagmara Police Station in Rajshahi against BNP leader and former minister barrister Aminul Haque for his alleged patronisation of militancy. Fazlur Rahman, a victim of torture inflicted by Bangla Bhai, filed the case on Friday night.