TTP link suspect held but Bangladeshi death identity remains unconfirmed: IGP
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has stated that authorities have not yet conclusively verified the identity of Faisal Hossain, the 22-year-old Bangladeshi reportedly killed in a Pakistani military operation while fighting alongside the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Speaking at a law and order press briefing at police headquarters on Tuesday, IGP Alam confirmed that one individual has been arrested on suspicion of TTP involvement and is currently under interrogation by the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU).
“We have intelligence indicating that the person arrested from Savar three months ago did participate in combat in Pakistan, despite his claim that he returned home without joining the fight,” the IGP said.
The suspect, who had initially travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah before allegedly being recruited by a Pakistani contact, is now being questioned to uncover potential accomplices.
Regarding recent reports of multiple Bangladeshi nationals killed while fighting for the TTP, including Faisal Hossain, Alam acknowledged the emerging pattern but urged caution.
“I recently read in the newspapers that a young man named Faisal went there and was killed. There are also reports of another Bangladeshi who operated drones for the TTP and was killed. While it’s known he is Bangladeshi, we are not yet certain of his identity,” he said.
Faisal Hossain, from Choto Dudhkhali village in Kalikapur Union, Madaripur Sadar Upazila, had told his family he was working in Dubai.
His relatives, devastated by news of his death in a clash with Pakistani security forces, are struggling to accept the reports.
Mourners have gathered at his family home in Madaripur, where grief-stricken villagers are holding prayers and vigils.
According to media reports, Faisal is among at least four Bangladeshi nationals killed in Pakistan over the past year while allegedly linked to the TTP, a trend that has raised serious concerns about foreign fighter recruitment and cross-border extremist networks.
The IGP iterated that investigations are ongoing and appealed for public cooperation to counter radicalisation and prevent further youth from being drawn into transnational militant groups.