Bangladesh has vowed full cooperation with Malaysian authorities in the terror investigation into the arrest of dozens of Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia on alleged militancy charges.
Over 36 Bangladeshi nationals were reportedly arrested in a recent security operation targeting alleged involvement in the Bangladeshi Radical Militant Group (GMRB).
In a statement, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday (July 5) said that the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has engaged with relevant Malaysian authorities, which announced last week the arrest of some Bangladeshis for alleged involvement in a radical militant movement.
“The Bangladesh government is closely monitoring the developments, and the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is in close communication with the relevant Malaysian authorities, and will extend necessary support to the expatriate Bangladeshis wherever needed,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
“Bangladesh once again reiterates its firm stand against all forms of terrorism, violent extremism and militancy, and it remains ready to extend full cooperation to the Malaysian authorities in this regard,” it said.
According to Malaysian authorities, the group of Bangladeshis arrested in Malaysia was suspected of sending funds to Islamic State (IS) cells in Syria and Bangladesh.
Of the arrested individuals, according to the statement, formal charges have been filed against five in Malaysian courts.
The rest are in the process of either further investigation or deportation, it mentioned.
Malaysia’s Inspector General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail said the 36 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in a series of operations conducted since April. Most of them were employed in factories, construction sites, or the service sector.
The planned security operation to nab Bangladeshis began on April 24 and was carried out in three phases in the states of Selangor and Johor.
“In the operation, five of them were identified as being involved under Chapter VIA of the Penal Code and have already been charged in the Shah Alam and Johor Bahru Session Courts. Another 15 individuals have been issued deportation orders while 16 individuals are being investigated further regarding their involvement in this militant movement,” read a statement issued by the Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday.
“As a result of intelligence and coordinated action by the Special Branch Team, PDRM found that this group was bringing extremist beliefs based on the Islamic State (IS) ideology into the country They even established recruitment cells within their communities for the purpose of indoctrinating radical beliefs, collecting funds for terrorist activities, and toppling the legitimate government in their home country,” the statement added.
Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasised that the country would not become a refuge, let alone a battleground, for any foreign extremist movement.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury reportedly dismissed claims that the recent deportation of suspected extremists from Malaysia indicated the presence of terrorist activity in the country.
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Chowdhury said Malaysia’s claim of a radical militant movement was still being verified, and that no official communication had confirmed the individuals were involved in militancy.
