Security Alert in Bangladesh Raises Fresh Fears of Islamist Extremism

Dhaka: Bangladesh has been placed on high security alert following intelligence warnings about possible militant attacks on key installations, sparking renewed concerns over the resurgence of Islamist extremism in the country.

According to a report published in the Dhaka Tribune
, the threat assessment has highlighted risks to important locations including the Parliament building, security establishments, places of worship, public spaces and recreational centres.

The alert was reportedly issued by police headquarters after the arrest of a member of a banned extremist outfit who allegedly maintained links with two dismissed military personnel. The intelligence report, marked “urgent confidential”, has intensified fears that extremist groups may once again be attempting to regroup and expand their influence.

The report noted that Bangladesh’s struggle with Islamist extremism appears to be deeply rooted and not merely temporary, posing not only a domestic challenge but also a broader regional security concern.

It further stated that the security situation deteriorated significantly after the political upheaval following the 2024 July Uprising and the fall of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.

According to the report, the country witnessed widespread violence, prison breaks and looting during the transitional phase. More than 70 militants reportedly escaped from prisons, while several weapons were looted from prison guards.

The report also claimed that during the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, several individuals allegedly linked to militant organisations secured bail, including ABT chief Jashimuddin Rahmani, who had earlier been arrested in connection with the 2013 murder of blogger and activist Rajib Haider.

Attention has also turned toward Hizb ut-Tahrir Bangladesh, a banned Islamist group that reportedly renewed public activities after the political transition. The organisation was banned in 2009 over national security concerns.

The report highlighted incidents in Dhaka where groups of students allegedly carried ISIS flags and demanded the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in Bangladesh. Several people linked to those demonstrations, including the organisation’s media coordinator, were reportedly arrested.

It also raised concerns over the appointment of Nasimul Gani as Home Secretary in December 2024, alleging his past association with Hizb ut-Tahrir. In March 2025, the group reportedly organised a “March to Khilafat” protest near Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, which was later stopped by law enforcement agencies.

The report concluded that the growing visibility of extremist groups under the interim administration has become a major security challenge for Bangladesh and could have wider implications for regional stability.

With inputs from IANS