Dhaka, KL to collaborate on militant network crackdown
NN Online:
Bangladesh has pledged full cooperation with Malaysian authorities in an ongoing terrorism investigation involving 36 Bangladeshi nationals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Saturday.
In a statement, the MoFA confirmed that the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has reached out to Malaysian officials seeking details and identities of those arrested during recent security operations, in which the individuals were suspected of being linked to a radical militant group.
“Bangladesh firmly stands against terrorism, violent extremism, and militancy in all forms. We are ready to extend all necessary cooperation in this regard,” the ministry said.
Among those detained, five have already been formally charged in Malaysian courts, while the rest remain under investigation or face possible deportation, the MoFA noted.
The ministry added that the Bangladesh government is closely monitoring developments and remains in constant contact with Malaysian authorities. The High Commission is also prepared to provide necessary support to affected Bangladeshi nationals.
The crackdown follows revelations by Malaysian police that a group called the “Bangladeshi Radical Militant Group” (GMRB) had been dismantled during three phases of operations between April and June. According to Malaysian authorities, the group had been involved in fundraising and recruitment for the Islamic State (IS) in both Syria and Bangladesh.
Of the 36 suspects, aged 25 to 35, five face charges under Section 6A of the Malaysian Penal Code. Sixteen are being held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), pending further investigation and prosecution.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters that Bangladesh is awaiting comprehensive details from Malaysia to verify the allegations.
“We have officially sought detailed information from the Malaysian authorities. Once received, we will thoroughly assess whether any of the individuals were involved in militant activities,” said Adviser Hossain. “If any Bangladeshi citizen is found guilty of terrorism, appropriate legal action will be taken.”
When asked whether the incident could affect visa issuance for Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia, he acknowledged the possibility but said steps are being taken to mitigate any fallout.
The Malaysian Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, said the GMRB collected funds through annual membership fees of RM500 and other voluntary contributions, transferring the money abroad via e-wallets and international remittance services.
Investigations suggest the group had between 100 to 150 Bangladeshi members, mainly employed in low-income sectors like factories, construction, and petrol stations. Using platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, the group spread IS propaganda, conducted online oath pledges (baiah), and recruited new members.
Police believe the group was not planning attacks within Malaysia but was instead using the country as a hub for fundraising and recruitment.
“The group was structured and operated through social media channels, with cell leaders assigned to expand their reach,” Khalid said. “New recruits were subjected to a vetting process before being included in more elite cells.”
Authorities confirmed that no Malaysian nationals were involved, and the group had been operating for roughly a year. The operation to dismantle GMRB was carried out in three stages:
April 28: Six suspects were arrested in Selangor, revealing the group’s operations in Johor.
May 7: Fourteen more arrests were made, including the group’s alleged ringleader.
June 19–21: Another 16 were apprehended, effectively shutting down the network.
Suspects found to have minor involvement will be deported, Malaysian police said, as the investigation—assisted by Bangladeshi authorities and Interpol—continues to track financial channels and overseas links to IS.