Rising Militancy Threats in Bangladesh: Arrests, Denials, and Looming Dangers

Last Thursday, a police headquarters letter warned of imminent attacks on key installations, thrusting militancy and extremism back into the spotlight. By Tuesday, conflicting statements from top officials highlighted the tension.

Recent Arrests Linked to Banned Groups

Dhaka's Detective Branch (DB) quietly arrested four suspects from Kamrangirchar and Keraniganj on Tuesday, seizing firearms, bullets, drones, and explosives. The suspects—Md. Imran Chowdhury (29), Md. Mostakim Chowdhury (25), Ripon Hossain Sheikh (28), and Abu Bakkar (25)—are confirmed active members of the banned 'Aqsa' group. They were plotting sabotage and attacks, with ties to Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

A missing Bangladesh Air Force warrant officer, last seen at a Chittagong base, was later found at a TTP camp. Pakistan informed Bangladeshi authorities he was working for the group, which is battling its own military. This has triggered an internal probe into extremist infiltration in the armed forces.

TTP's footprint in Bangladesh isn't new: A 2013 US State Department report noted three arrests here, and last year, four Bangladeshi TTP fighters died in a Pakistani operation.

Conflicting Official Statements

At the Coast Guard's founding anniversary in Dhaka on Tuesday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed dismissed rising militancy: "I do not recognize that word. There is no such activity in our country... Extremist groups exist worldwide, but that term belongs to the fascist era, used for political gain. It doesn't exist in Bangladesh now."

Later that day at the Secretariat, Prime Minister's Information Advisor Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman acknowledged the issue: "There are militants in Bangladesh—it's a fact. The government aims to reduce it to zero. We've seen extremes: Awami League exaggerated threats to cling to power, while some now deny them entirely. Militancy was, and is, a reality. We must combat it."

Explosions Signal Bomb-Making Risks

Signs of instability during bomb assembly include sudden blasts from volatile chemicals or improper handling. Two recent incidents underscore this:

Chapainawabganj Blast (Feb 14): An early-morning explosion in Charbagdanga killed Al Amin and Jihad Ali, injuring Bazlur Rahman, Shuvo, and Minhaj Ali. Police arrested seven at Sharif Uddin's brother Abul Kalam's house, where Dulal oversaw bomb-making. Sadar Police SI Belal Hossain filed a case against 10 named suspects and 8-10 others.
Dhaka Madrasa Explosion (Dec 27): A blast at Ummal Kura International Madrasa in South Keraniganj's Hasnabad demolished two rooms, injuring director Sheikh Al Amin (32), his wife Acia Begum (28), and sons Umayet (10) and Abdullah (7). Police recovered cocktails, chemicals, and bomb-making gear. Owner Parveen Begum, who rented to Mufti Harun for three years, was shocked: "I inquired regularly but never suspected these activities."

Police Alert on Imminent Attacks

A Thursday letter from Police HQ DIG (Confidential) Kamrul Ahsan urged all units to bolster security. It detailed contacts between two dismissed army personnel and arrested extremist Istiaq Ahmed Sami (aka Abu Bakkar/Abu Mohammad). Potential targets: National Parliament, law enforcement sites, places of worship, entertainment centers, Shahbagh Mural, and even force arsenals. Threats include bombs, sharp weapons, or firearms.

Security ramped up at eight airports, including Hazrat Shahjalal International, by Monday. Law enforcement deems these suspects a "high risk" to national security.

Alarming Statistics: Militants Still at Large

Law enforcement lists 1,611 militants nationwide. From 2021-2024, 1,231 were bailed out; another 380 from Sept 2024-July 2025, including affiliates of Ansar al Islam (7), ABT (4), JMB (68), Neo-JMB (6), Hizb ut Tahrir (6), and others. Of these, 114 skipped court post-bail. At least 370 Anti-Terrorism Act suspects remain fugitives.

As of June 2025, 162 militants were jailed across 16 prisons: 32 on trial, 59 on death row, 46 life sentences, 25 others. Plus, 79 escapees from August 2024, including nine death-row inmates, are still free.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police CTTC Joint Commissioner Munshi Shahabuddin stated Thursday: "We have information and are acting on it."

Expert Analysis: Denial vs. Vigilance

Criminologist Dr. Touhidul Haque (Dhaka University) warns: "Extremist influence in institutions like law enforcement poses major risks. Identify and prosecute quickly—end the culture of denial."

Security analyst Major (Retd.) Emdadul Islam notes: "Militants lack major strength now, but signs precede activity—like the 52 Comilla boys vanishing to a hideout. Diversionary talk is possible, but vigilance is key; no immediate attack seems likely."

Air Commodore (Retd) Ishfaq Elahi Chowdhury adds: "No country of 180-200 million is extremist-free. We've suppressed major threats so far, but constant surveillance is essential—they could exploit instability.

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