What Details is Bangladesh Seeking from Malaysia About 36 Nationals Arrested for IS Connections?

Dhaka, July 5 (NationPress) On Saturday, the government of Bangladesh requested information regarding the identities and case particulars of 36 Bangladeshi individuals who were recently detained in Malaysia for their alleged involvement in a radical movement and for promoting extremist beliefs linked to the Islamic State (IS) ideology in the region.

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry released a statement indicating that the government is actively monitoring the situation and that the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is maintaining close contact with relevant Malaysian authorities.

Moreover, the statement emphasized that the High Commission is prepared to provide necessary support to Bangladeshi expatriates as required. Of those arrested, formal charges have been filed against five individuals in Malaysian courts, while others are undergoing further investigation or are in the process of deportation.

Malaysian Inspector General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, addressed reporters on Friday, revealing that the Bangladeshi nationals apprehended on June 27 had allegedly raised funds to support Islamic State (IS) cells both in Syria and Bangladesh.

"We are still investigating the total funds collected by the group. We believe they gathered funds through membership fees and donations from members. Initial investigations suggest they have between 100 to 150 members in their WhatsApp group, where each member is required to pay a Malaysian Ringgit RM500 annual membership fee," the senior police official stated, as reported by 'The Star.'

The arrests included 36 Bangladeshi men aged between 25 and 35, detained during operations in Johor and Selangor, including the leader of the cell. Authorities discovered that they were not planning any immediate terror attacks in Malaysia but were instead focused on recruitment and disseminating IS ideologies. Five individuals have already been charged, while 15 have been referred to the Immigration Department, and 16 remain under investigation under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma).

Last week, Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the security operation targeting the Bangladeshi nationals commenced on April 24 and was executed in three phases across Selangor and Johor.

“In this operation, five individuals were identified under Chapter VIA of the Penal Code and have been charged in the Shah Alam and Johor Bahru Session Courts. Another 15 have received deportation orders, while 16 are under continued investigation regarding their roles in this militant movement,” said the Home Ministry.

The ministry's statement highlighted that coordinated actions by the Special Branch Team of the PDRM uncovered that this group was introducing extremist beliefs linked to the Islamic State (IS) into the country. They had even formed recruitment cells within their communities to promote radical ideologies and secure funding for terrorism, aiming to undermine the legitimate government in their native country.

In conclusion, Malaysia's Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, emphasized the country's stance against becoming a refuge or battleground for any foreign extremist movements.