7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Bangladesh arrests three deported from Malaysia over militant activity
KUALA LUMPUR: Three Bangladeshi men deported from Malaysia over suspected involvement in militant activities were arrested by anti-terrorism authorities upon their arrival in Dhaka on Friday, reports said.
Bangladeshi online news portal reported that the trio were detained by the country's counter-terrorism unit, brought to court the same day, and remanded.
Bangladesh's Anti-Terrorism Unit chief, Akkas Uddin Bhuiyan, was quoted as saying that the process of filing charges against the suspects was ongoing, and authorities were still verifying their backgrounds.
The three were among 36 people detained in Malaysia between May and June for alleged involvement in a radical movement linked to the Islamic State (IS) group.
Last week, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had said that 15 of those detained had been issued deportation orders, while 16 others remained under investigation.
Five suspects were charged in Shah Alam, Selangor, and Johor for their links to terrorism.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said on Friday that the 36 people were believed to be part of a militant cell comprising between 100 and 150 Bangladeshi migrant workers.
The group reportedly had members working across various sectors in Malaysia, including factories, construction sites, and petrol stations.
The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said its High Commission in Malaysia was in close communication with local authorities over the matter.
"Bangladesh once again reiterates its firm stand against all forms of terrorism, violent extremism, and militancy, and remains ready to extend full cooperation to the Malaysian authorities in this regard," the statement read.
