Shock over charity terror camp probe

A university student who was raising funds for a charity which is now at the centre of a terror training investigation has spoken of his relief that he did not send off the cash.

Mofozzul Hussain Choudhury, of Colwyn Street, Westwood, raised £1,200 at a dinner at the Indian Ocean restaurant, Featherstall Road North, for Green Crescent in Bangladesh earlier this month.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shoab Akhtar, was the special guest.

Mr Choudhury planned to raise more money by taking part in a 250-mile cycling trip in Bangladesh next month.

But yesterday it was reported that security forces claim an orphanage run by Green Crescent on the remote Bangladesh island of Bhola was being used as a training camp and arms factory for Islamic militants.

Forces had raided the site, uncovering firearms, bullets and explosive devices.

And the Charity Commission in the UK wants to speak to the charity’s senior figure, Dr Faisal Mostafa, of Stockport.

He was arrested in 2002 and tried for conspiring to build home-made explosives using a terrorists handbook, but was cleared by the jury.

The commission wants to establish whether there are links between the charity and the alleged activities in Bhola.

Mr Choudhury had planned to donate to Green Crescent because the charity has also bought a piece of land in Habiganj, Bangladesh, where his family originate, for a health clinic.

Yesterday he said: “I don’t know what has happened but I am very relieved I didn’t send the cash.

“I’ve decided I’m cancelling going to Bangladesh. I was going to take my family and my little son to see grandparents in Bangladesh.”

Mr Mofozzul, a business and management student, said: “I’m shocked and I haven’t slept for two nights.

“I’ve gone to lectures but have had to leave because I can’t concentrate.

“I will donate the money to a suitable charity but I will consult with councillors and the Mayor before I decide which one.”