Bangladesh Ready to Cooperate with Malaysia on Terror Investigation

Dhaka — Bangladesh has expressed its willingness to cooperate with Malaysian authorities in the ongoing investigation concerning the arrest of several Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia on terrorism-related charges.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is actively engaging with relevant Malaysian agencies after authorities there announced the arrest of Bangladeshi citizens allegedly linked to a radical militant group.

The ministry assured that the High Commission will provide necessary assistance to the arrested Bangladeshi expatriates wherever required, according to a report by Xinhua news agency.

“Bangladesh once again reaffirms its strong stance against all forms of terrorism, violent extremism, and militancy, and remains fully prepared to cooperate with Malaysian authorities in this matter,” the statement added.

According to the ministry, formal charges have been filed in Malaysian courts against five of the arrested individuals, while the others are undergoing further investigation or facing deportation.

Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs revealed that the security operation targeting the individuals began on April 24 and was conducted in three phases across the states of Selangor and Johor.

“In this operation, five individuals were charged under Chapter VIA of the Penal Code in the Shah Alam and Johor Bahru Session Courts. An additional 15 individuals have been issued deportation orders, while 16 others are still under investigation for their suspected involvement in militant activities,” read a statement from Malaysia’s Home Ministry on Saturday.

The ministry further stated that intelligence and coordinated operations by the Royal Malaysia Police Special Branch uncovered that the group was promoting extremist ideology linked to the Islamic State (IS). The group had allegedly set up recruitment cells within their communities to spread radical beliefs, raise funds for terrorism, and work toward overthrowing the legitimate government in their home country.

Malaysia's Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, firmly stated that Malaysia will not become a sanctuary or battleground for foreign extremist groups.

With inputs from IANS