Staff Reporter :
Malaysian authorities have dismantled a radical militant group composed entirely of Bangladeshi nationals who were allegedly raising funds and recruiting members for the Islamic State (IS) in both Bangladesh and Syria, said Malaysian Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail during a press briefing on Thursday (4 July).
The group, identified as the Bangladeshi Radical Militant Group (GMRB), reportedly operated out of Malaysia over the past year, using the country as a logistical and financial hub while targeting IS operations abroad.
A total of 36 Bangladeshi men, aged between 25 and 35, have been arrested in a three-phase counterterrorism operation conducted from April to June. According to Malaysian police, five individuals have been charged under Section 6A of the Penal Code, and 16 remain in custody under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) for further investigation.
The remaining suspects are under review, with some likely to be deported based on the level of involvement.
Police revealed that GMRB collected RM500 annually per member along with additional voluntary contributions based on financial capability.
The group is believed to have between 100 and 150 members, all Bangladeshi nationals employed in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and fuel stations across Malaysia.
The collected funds were reportedly transferred abroad through e-wallet apps and international money transfer platforms, and police are still working to determine the total amount funneled to IS cells in Syria and Bangladesh.
GMRB used WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social media platforms to recruit new members, spread IS propaganda, and conduct baiah (oath of allegiance).
Those who pledged allegiance online were later appointed as cell leaders tasked with expanding the group’s influence.
Members underwent a multi-stage vetting process, including screening and indoctrination, before being assigned to elite units. While the group had no immediate plans for attacks in Malaysia, its activities posed a serious national security threat, according to officials.
So far, investigations have found no involvement of Malaysian citizens, and there is no evidence suggesting the group planned attacks on Malaysian soil. Authorities emphasized that Malaysia was being used primarily as an operational base for overseas extremist agendas.
The initial detection of the group came from social media monitoring, where Bangladeshi nationals using Malaysian IP addresses were found circulating extremist content.
In Dhaka, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed that the government has requested detailed information from Malaysia regarding the arrested individuals.
“We are awaiting official responses from the Malaysian authorities,” Hossain told reporters on Wednesday. “If it is found that they were indeed involved in militancy, we will ensure appropriate legal action.”
He also acknowledged that such incidents could negatively impact visa issuance for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia but stressed that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to mitigate potential fallout.
Malaysian police said the investigation is continuing with assistance from Interpol and Bangladeshi authorities. Those with lesser roles may be deported, while key figures could face prosecution in Malaysia under counterterrorism laws.
Authorities have called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, reiterating that national security remains a top priority.
This marks one of the largest counterterrorism operations involving foreign nationals in Malaysia in recent years, shedding light on how extremist networks continue to evolve across borders using digital tools and expatriate labor communities.
