Is Bangladesh Prepared to Assist Malaysia in Terror Investigations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bangladesh is cooperating with Malaysia in a terror investigation.
- Dozens of Bangladeshi nationals were arrested on militancy charges.
- Five individuals face formal charges in Malaysian courts.
- Bangladesh maintains a strong stance against terrorism.
- Malaysia's operation against alleged militants was conducted in phases.
Dhaka, July 6 (NationPress) Bangladesh has signaled its willingness to collaborate with Malaysian authorities regarding the investigation into the apprehension of numerous Bangladeshi nationals on suspected militancy offenses. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement this Saturday, indicating that the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is actively engaging with pertinent Malaysian authorities. The announcement from Malaysia last week detailed the arrest of several Bangladeshis for supposed connections to a radical militant organization.
The ministry emphasized that the Bangladesh High Commission is prepared to provide necessary assistance to expatriate Bangladeshis as required, according to Xinhua news agency.
"Bangladesh reaffirms its unwavering stance against all manifestations of terrorism, violent extremism, and militancy, and stands ready to offer full support to Malaysian authorities in this matter," the statement asserted.
As per the statement, formal charges have been lodged against five of the arrested individuals in Malaysian courts.
The remaining detainees are either undergoing further inquiry or facing deportation, as noted.
Last week, Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs revealed that the operation targeting Bangladeshi nationals commenced on April 24 and unfolded in three phases across Selangor and Johor.
“During this operation, five individuals were identified under Chapter VIA of the Penal Code and have already faced charges in Shah Alam and Johor Bahru Session Courts. Additionally, 15 individuals have received deportation orders while 16 others are under further investigation regarding their involvement in this militant movement,” stated the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday.
“Thanks to intelligence-sharing and coordinated efforts by the Special Branch Team, PDRM discovered that this group was propagating extremist ideologies linked to the Islamic State (IS) within the country. They even set up recruitment networks in their communities to indoctrinate radical beliefs, raise funds for terrorist actions, and undermine the legitimate government in their homeland,” the statement further elaborated.
Malaysia's Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, stressed that the country will not become a sanctuary, let alone a battlefield, for any foreign extremist factions.