Bangladeshi expats in Malaysia plot militancy, inspire radical network back home
A growing investigation has uncovered a disturbing network of Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia allegedly inspired by the ideology of an internationally banned terrorist organisation, actively recruiting members online and attempting to spread militancy in Bangladesh from abroad.
According to law enforcement authorities, these individuals, some of whom have now been arrested, engaged in long-term extremist activities while living in Malaysia, using social media and encrypted messaging platforms to radicalise and recruit Bangladeshi citizens, collect funds, and propagate extremist ideologies.
Confessions reveal online recruitment and funding
The case took a significant turn when Sajeeb Mia, 31, a Bangladeshi national recently deported from Malaysia, was placed on a three-day police remand starting August 1. After interrogation, he provided a confessional statement recorded by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Minhazur Rahman at the court’s direction.
Sajeeb, son of Joynal Abedin from Raniganj village in Gazipur’s Kapasia upazila, admitted that he and other accused were ideologically aligned with a proscribed global terrorist group. While based in Malaysia, they conducted sustained terrorist-related activities, including: Recruiting new members from among Bangladeshi citizens using Malaysian IP addresses and social media platforms; spreading extremist propaganda online; collecting voluntary donations and transferring funds through e-wallets and international money transfer services to support the organisation’s activities abroad; and paying an annual membership fee of 480 Malaysian ringgit (approximately Tk 13,500).
He also confessed to using WhatsApp, Telegram, and other encrypted apps to communicate with recruits and coordinate activities.
Second accused arrested in Dhaka
On August 4, a second suspect, Md Wasim Akram, 32, son of the late Khair Uddin Sheikh from Natore’s Gurdaspur upazila, was taken into custody from a rented apartment in Baishteki of Kafrul, Dhaka. He was granted a three-day remand the same day.
Investigations reveal that Wasim, like Sajeeb, was involved in online radicalisation and recruitment while in Malaysia.
He paid a yearly fee of 500 ringgit (Tk 14,000) and used social media to exchange extremist content, groom new members, and conspire against national security.
Larger network uncovered: 35 named in terrorism case
The investigation began on July 5, when Inspector Md Abdul Baten of the Anti-Terrorism Unit’s (ATU) Intelligence Branch filed a case at Airport Police Station naming 35 Bangladeshi expatriates.
The charge-sheet alleges that the accused: Were ideologically inspired by a banned terrorist organisation; operated from Malaysia for years, conducting terrorist activities under the radar.
They used Bangladeshi-run social media platforms and Malaysian IP addresses to recruit members and spread propaganda; collected funds through donations and transferred money abroad; paid 500 ringgit annually as membership fees.
Four of the accused – Nazrul Islam Sohag, Mohammad Redwanul Islam, Zahed Ahmed, and Mahfuz – were deported from Malaysia on July 4 and immediately taken into ATU custody upon arrival at Shahjalal International Airport.
They were initially detained under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and later formally arrested.
A fifth suspect, Mahfuz, was arrested in Cumilla on July 7.
All five are now in judicial custody, and authorities believe more suspects may still be at large.
Malaysia deporting suspects in phases
According to intelligence sources, Malaysian authorities have begun deporting suspects in stages, both arrested and previously absconding individuals. It is feared that some may have already returned to Bangladesh and could be involved in underground extremist activities.
The complaint warns that the accused may be planning militant attacks aimed at destabilising public order, undermining national sovereignty, and spreading fear among the population.
Legal action under Anti-Terrorism Act
The accused face charges under Sections 6(3), 7(3), 10, and 13 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, which cover financing terrorism, membership in banned organisations, incitement, and conspiracy.
Additional Public Prosecutor Muhammad Shamsuddoha Suman told Jago News: “These individuals were operating from abroad, trying to radicalise youth back home. Sajeeb Mia’s confessional statement will be crucial in uncovering the full extent of this network.”
National security at stake
Security experts warn that the use of digital platforms for recruitment and radicalisation poses a serious threat, especially when carried out from abroad with relative anonymity.
“This is not just a law enforcement issue – it’s a national security challenge,” said a senior intelligence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We must monitor returning expatriates and counter extremist narratives online before they take root.”
The government has urged social media platforms and telecom providers to cooperate in identifying and blocking extremist content. Meanwhile, the ATU continues its investigation, with more arrests expected in the coming days.