Open-source news on jihadism in Bangladesh

This section contains news from open sources on persons involved in jihadist activities or criminal activities satellite to jihadism in Bangladesh. It contains news on convictions, acquittals, arrests, expulsions or deportations, judicial appeals, etc. The news selection is overseen by Animesh Roul – Executive Director of the Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict and MjP Senior Advisor – and MjP Directorate.

MjP Report

  • 14 May 2026

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    Police detain former Army personnel linked to Neo-JMB terror group

    Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have arrested Mohammad Raheed Hossain Mahed, a former Army soldier and member of the banned terror outfit Neo Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo JMB), a pro-Islamic State group (Dawlatul Islam Neo JMB) responsible for the July 2026 Holy Artisan violence. The arrest occurred in the Islamnagar area of Shahjadpur in Baralekha, Moulvibazar District. Police said that Mahed had taken refuge in a hideout near the Indian border during the arrest.

    According to media reports, Mahed is also a suspect in a case filed by Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station on February 02, 2026. Mahed, a resident of Bishwanath subdivision in Sylhet, was among two individuals named in a recent Police Headquarters alert about possible attacks on key installations across Bangladesh. On April 23, Bangladesh intelligence agencies issued an alert warning of possible extremist attacks targeting key installations and security personnel, including the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament). The other suspected planner was Rakib Hasan (Ubaida Al Usama) from Savar.

    Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/crime-justice/news/man-accused-terrorism-case-held-moulvibazar-4176861

  • 06 May 2026

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    One Rohingya youth arrested over alleged TTP links in Cox’s Bazar

    Police in Cox’s Bazar arrested Rohingya youth Mahmudullah from Camp 24 in Teknaf on suspicion of links with Pakistan-based Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Police seized an Android phone allegedly showing his connection to a TTP-linked WhatsApp group named “Haqeeqat News” through the social media ID “Ayatullah BD alias Amhed.” Investigators said he had been sharing militant propaganda inside Rohingya camps and may also have links to the student wing of ARSA. A case was filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and a Cox’s Bazar court sent him to jail. Officials said this is the first reported case of suspected TTP communication with a Rohingya refugee in Bangladesh. The arrest follows earlier reports of Bangladeshi recruits joining TTP and the April 29 arrest of four TTP-linked suspects in Dhaka with arms, explosives, and a drone.

    Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/rohingya-influx/news/rohingya-youth-held-over-ttp-link-4168736

  • 29 April 2026

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    Bangladesh arrests four over alleged TTP-linked extremist network

    On April 29, Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch arrested four suspects for alleged links to a new extremist outfit described as “ARSA,” reportedly inspired by Pakistan-based Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but not connected to the Rohingya militant group of the same acronym. The arrestees—Md Imran Chowdhury, Md Mostakim Chowdhury, Ripon Hossain Sheik, and Abu Bakar—were detained during raids in Kamrangirchar and Keraniganj in Dhaka. Police seized a foreign-made pistol, a one-shot gun, bullets, bullet shells, explosives-related materials, a drone and accessories, smartphones, military uniform fabric, a metal detector, and jihadi literature. A case was filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Kamrangirchar Police Station, and a Dhaka court remanded all four for four days for interrogation.

    Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/crime-justice/news/db-arrests-four-over-alleged-links-pakistani-militant-outfit-ttp-4164086

  • 23 April 2026

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    Bangladesh Police warn of possible extremist attacks

    On April 23, Police Headquarters in Dhaka issued an “urgent and confidential” nationwide alert over possible extremist attacks on key installations, including the parliament complex, places of worship, entertainment facilities, police and military facilities, and armouries. The warning followed intelligence inputs after the arrest of suspected militant operative Istiak Ahmed Sami alias Abu Bakkar, who was allegedly in contact with two dismissed Army personnel. The directive asked specialised units, including the CID, Special Branch, and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crimes unit, as well as district police, to intensify surveillance and strengthen security. The alert did not name the banned organisation but described the suspected planners as highly dangerous. The warning comes amid continuing concerns over escaped militants and looted firearms following the July 2024 jailbreaks during Bangladesh’s political unrest.

    Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/crime-justice/news/phq-warns-possible-extremist-attacks-4160076

  • 03 April 2026

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    CTTC arrests teenager over alleged Neo-JMB links

    On April 3, Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit arrested a 16-year-old boy in Habiganj’s Sadar upazila for suspected involvement with banned militant outfit Neo-JMB. Police said the teenager was linked to the three accused in a recent Anti-Terrorism Act case filed with the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station in Dhaka. These accused were Ahsan Zahir Khan, Daniyel Islam Hasan, and Russel (alias Abu Bacher Al Faruqi). CTTC alleged that he was highly active online, shared extremist content, attempted recruitment, circulated PDF manuals on bomb-making, and incited associates to plan attacks on Shia mosques and police checkpoints. He was produced before the court under legal provisions.

    Source: https://tob.news/cttc-detains-minor-suspect-over-neo-jmb-links/

  • 28 March 2026

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    Trials stall in three blogger murder cases in Bangladesh

    A media report from March 28 highlights difficulties prosecutors face in obtaining testimony, with hearings making little progress even ten years post the murders of secular bloggers Oyasiqur Rahman Babu, Niladri Chattopadhyay Niloy, and Nazimuddin Samad. All three trials remain at a standstill due to witnesses repeatedly failing to appear.

    The three progressive bloggers were killed in Dhaka between March 2015 and April 2016 in attacks attributed to Al Qaeda-linked, banned militant group Ansar al-Islam, also known as Ansarullah Bangla Team. Oyasiqur was hacked to death in Tejgaon on March 30, 2015; Niloy was killed inside his Khilgaon flat on August 7, 2015; and Nazimuddin was hacked and shot dead in Old Dhaka on April 6, 2016.

    In Oyasiqur’s case, 24 of 40 witnesses testified before the case was transferred in December 2022. Since then, no witness, including the complainant, has appeared despite 94 summons. Three of the accused were granted bail after the July 2024 uprising, while two remain at large. In Nazimuddin’s case, charges were framed in June 2024 against four Ansar al-Islam members, but only one witness has testified. Two accused, including sacked army officer Syed Ziaul Haque alias Major Zia, remain absconding. In Niloy’s case, charges were framed in January 2022 against 13 ABT members. Only five of 15 witnesses have testified across 27 hearings held between April 2022 and February 2026.

    Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/decade-stalled-trials-3-blogger-murders-4137071

  • 26 February 2026

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    A Bangladeshi national detained in Malaysia over extremist posts was placed on remand in Dhaka

    A Dhaka court placed Masudur Rahman on a two-day remand after he was detained in Malaysia over alleged extremist-related social media posts. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the order after Airport Police Station Sub-Inspector Md Aminul Islam, also the investigation officer, produced the accused before the court seeking a five-day remand. The court granted a two-day remand. According to the remand petition, Masudur was detained by Malaysian authorities on suspicion of extremism for allegedly sharing videos linked to Al-Qaeda, Hamas, and the Taliban on Facebook while residing in Malaysia. He was handed over to Bangladeshi authorities on the evening of 25 February and subsequently detained by Immigration Police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

    Later, police showed him being detained under Section 54 and brought him before the court, requesting custodial interrogation. During the hearing, Additional Public Prosecutor Md Harun Or Rashid mentioned that they would seek detailed documentation from Malaysian authorities. He emphasized that remand was important to determine whether the accused had any connections to domestic or international extremists, to identify the digital devices used to upload content, and to check whether any financial backers were involved. The prosecution also pointed out that such online activities could harm Bangladesh’s reputation abroad, especially in Malaysia, where many Bangladeshi expatriates work.

    Masudur stated in court that he was employed at a colour printing company in Malaysia and shared the posts out of interest in religious content. He claimed he did not know about the legal consequences and would not have shared the materials if he had understood the implications.

    Sources: https://viewsbangladesh.com/malaysia-deportee-masud-on-twoday-remand-over-militant-links/ and https://www.dhakatribune.com/amp/bangladesh/404195/masud-placed-on-2-day-remand-after-detention-in

  • 09 February 2026

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    Listed Terrorist Ghalib Imtiaz and two associates arrested in Savar arms haul ahead of polls

    The Bangladesh Army arrested a listed terrorist, Ghalib Imtiaz alias Nahid, along with two associates during an operation in the Taltala area of Chapain Road in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital, Dhaka. The two arrested associates were identified as Rabiul Islam (a.k.a. Machine Babu) and Masud Rana Alvi (a.k.a. Shooter Masud). During the operation, security forces recovered a substantial cache of weapons, including three foreign-made pistols, 13 locally manufactured firearms, assorted ammunition, and other weaponry. Officials described the seizure as significant in terms of both quantity and operational capability.

    Lieutenant Colonel Nazim Ahmed stated that such drives would continue in the run-up to the upcoming elections to ensure a secure environment. “Such operations will continue to keep the upcoming elections fair and peaceful,” he said, adding that a strict stance would be maintained against all forms of terrorism and armed groups to safeguard the electoral process.

    Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance and coordinated operations across Dhaka and surrounding districts amid heightened security measures ahead of the polls. Authorities indicated that further investigation is underway to determine the network and logistical sources of the seized arms, and to assess any potential links to broader criminal or extremist activities.

    Source: https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/68b091d8f18a

  • 04 February 2026

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    ARSA ‘Commander’ Zahid Hossain Lalu Arrested from Kutupalong Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh

    Bangladesh Army arrested Zahid Hossain Lalu, a commander of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), during a targeted operation at Kutupalong Rohingya Camp No. 1 in Ukhia Upazila of Cox’s Bazar District.  Security officials said that the operation was launched based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of an armed ARSA operative inside the camp. When joint forces surrounded the house, Lalu reportedly attempted to flee but was pursued and apprehended. A foreign-made pistol and two rounds of ammunition were recovered from his possession.

    According to the Bangladesh Army, Lalu had long served as a close associate and personal bodyguard of ARSA chief Hafez Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi. He is suspected of involvement in multiple terrorist activities attributed to ARSA in both Myanmar and Bangladesh. He is accused of involvement in several high-profile incidents, including the 2021 attack on a madrasa in Rohingya Camp No. 18 that left six students and teachers dead. He is also alleged to have played a role in the assassination of Rohingya community leader Master Muhibullah on 29 September 2021. Muhibullah, a prominent advocate for the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, was shot dead at his office in Kutupalong camp, an incident widely attributed to ARSA-linked operatives.

    Additionally, Lalu is accused of involvement in the killing of a Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) officer, Squadron Leader Rezwanul Haque, near the Bangladesh–Myanmar border.

    Lieutenant Colonel Sikder confirmed that the arrested ARSA ‘commander’ has been handed over to Ukhia Police Station for further legal proceedings under applicable laws. Authorities indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of Lalu’s operational network within the camps and any cross-border linkages. Security forces have intensified surveillance and joint operations in the Rohingya camps amid concerns over armed group activity, internal rivalries, and targeted killings that have undermined camp security in recent years.

    Sources: https://tob.news/arsa-commander-zahid-hossain-held-in-ukhiya/ and https://www.bssnews.net/others/357779

  • 04 February 2026

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    Three Neo-JMB Members Arrested by CTTC in Dhaka Anti-Terror Operations

    The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has apprehended three individuals affiliated with the banned militant group Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) through a series of coordinated operations across Dhaka and its surrounding areas. According to law enforcement authorities, Ahsan Zahir Khan was detained in the Chandrima Udyan locality under the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station on February 01. His detention and subsequent interrogation led to the apprehension of his accomplices, Belayet Hossain from Savar on February 2 and Tofayel Hossain from Keraniganj on February 3. Sub-Inspector Md Arman Hossain of the CTTC unit filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against the accused individuals. The case documentation alleges that the three individuals, along with several absconding associates, were motivated by the pro-Islamic State faction of JMB and had assembled to plan and execute acts of sabotage targeting state property. Investigators stated in court that the suspects maintained communication via pseudonyms across multiple encrypted and social media platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, and other messaging applications. These platforms were used to facilitate group discussions, private exchanges, and channels to further extremist objectives and organizational goals.

    Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam granted a four-day remand to Belayet and Tofayel after CTTC Inspector SM Mizanur Rahman sought a seven-day custodial interrogation. The investigating officer told the court that analysis of digital data retrieved from Ahsan and Belayet’s mobile phones shows preliminary evidence of involvement in militant-linked activities. According to the remand petition, Belayet and Tofayel reportedly admitted their involvement during initial questioning. Police further stated that a digital forensic examination of Belayet’s mobile device revealed content suggestive of links to extremist networks.

    Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance and counterterrorism operations in recent months amid concerns about attempts by banned outfits to reorganize through online radicalization and covert communication channels.

    Sources: https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/crime-and-law/8srp7lz5sk and https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/9a0afe24d321

  • 10 January 2026

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    Dhaka University Student Arrested in Hizb ut-Tahrir Case, Sent to Jail

    Police have detained a Dhaka University student, Sad Ibn Mahbub, on suspicion of links to the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir Bangladesh on January 9. This arrest was part of an ongoing counterterrorism effort in the capital, Dhaka. The student was taken into custody near Uttara Sector 7 Jame Masjid (Mosque) after  Juma (Friday) prayers. He was subsequently remanded to Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj by court order. According to the case filed under several Sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, police acted on information that members of the banned group were displaying banners and using microphones to campaign and spread extremist ideology. Officers reached the scene and arrested three individuals, while 15–16 unidentified suspects allegedly fled. The other two arrested are Shakil Ahammad and Kaosar Hossain.

    Police reported seizing banners and placards with slogans referencing a global “Khilafah” (Caliphate) and criticizing the United States, along with mobile phones from the accused. Investigators stated that during initial questioning, the detainees admitted to being active Hizb ut-Tahrir members acting on instructions from senior leaders to gather support. On January 10, the three appeared before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka. The investigating officer requested custody of the suspects, while the defense lawyers applied for bail. Magistrate Dilruba Afroz Tithi denied the bail request and ordered their imprisonment. Police officer Kazi Rafiqul Islam said the accused were arrested “red-handed” and that the case would be thoroughly investigated. He also noted that Hizb ut-Tahrir has been banned in Bangladesh for twenty years, and law enforcement will proceed based on the evidence collected.

    Source: https://english.thedailycampus.com/crime-law/1670

  • 02 January 2026

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    Explosions at Keraniganj madrasa linked to Pro-Islamic State network in Bangladesh: Bangladesh Police

    Bangladesh police have revealed new findings in the investigation into explosions at the Ummal Qura International Madrasa in Hasnabad, South Keraniganj, Dhaka. An initial blast on 26 December severely damaged the madrasa and nearby structures. While debris was being cleared, another explosion occurred at the same site on 31 December. Following the first incident, authorities registered a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act after recovering chemicals, explosives, and bomb-making materials from the premises. Shahidur Rahman, of  Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU), said seven individuals arrested in connection with the case have links to Pro-Islamic State Neo-Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh(Neo-JMB). Investigators identified the madrasa’s director, Sheikh Al-Amin alias Rajib, as the prime accused. He is alleged to be associated with the Tamim–Sarowar faction of JMB and remains absconding. Police said Al-Amin had previously been arrested in 2017 by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Narayanganj with weapons, explosives, and extremist literature.

    Authorities arrested Al-Amin’s wife, Asia Begum, after the explosion. During questioning, investigators said preliminary evidence suggested Al-Amin had been involved in making and storing explosives behind the madrasa building. Police confirmed that his wife and two children were inside the premises at the time of the blast and received severe to minor injuries. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Md Mahbubur Rahman approved a seven-day remand for three male suspects and a three-day remand for three female suspects, including Asiya Begum, wife of absconding madrasa director Al Amin. The other accused are Shahin (Abu Bakar) Md Aminur, Md Shafiar Rahman Fakir, Yasmin Akter, and Asmani Khatun.

    Sources: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/six-remand-over-keraniganj-madrasa-blast-4068231 and https://en.bddigest.com/keraniganj-madrasa-blast-bnps-selim-member-named-as-shelter-provider-to-militant-al-amin/

  • 01 January 2026

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    Five Hizb-ut-Tahrir members jailed for poster campaign

    Five students from private universities in Dhaka have been sent to jail in Kurigram District for allegedly putting up posters linked to the banned extremist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir Bangladesh (HuT-B). The arrested individuals are Jaber Al Rafian, Sakibul Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Fahmid Hasan, and Mahmudur Rahman, who are enrolled at American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), East West University, the University of Asia Pacific, and Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX). All the institutions are based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Earlier, police detained the five near Khalilganj Bazar while they were traveling on a Rangpur-bound minibus during a security drive. Authorities said they had previously pasted HuT posters titled “Open Letter” on city walls, which allegedly referred to an international conspiracy involving the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, called for resistance, and urged political leaders to unite in the interest of Islam.

    Kurigram Sadar Police confirmed that the accused are being interrogated. He said investigators are reviewing their statements and digital records to determine the extent of their involvement and whether they are linked to a wider network. The Superintendent of Police, Khondaker Fazle Rabbi, said a case would be filed against the detainees under the Anti-Terrorism Act. He reiterated that law enforcement agencies remain determined to prevent any resurgence of banned militant outfits and will take strict action against those attempting to spread extremist ideology under any guise.

    Sources: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/five-pvt-university-students-sent-jail-putting-hizb-ut-tahrir-posters-4070746 and https://khaborwala.com/kurigram-police-arrest-five-linked-to-hizb-ut-tahrir

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