Man remanded for two days over alleged links to banned militant organisations in Malaysia

A Dhaka court today (26 February) placed a man on a two-day remand over allegations of involvement with banned extremist organisations in Malaysia.

The man, Masudur Rahman, was handed over to Bangladesh police after a Malaysian court convicted him and sent him back upon completion of his sentence, the prosecution said.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jewel Rana passed the order after the hearing.

Police produced him in the court seeking a five-day remand after filing a general diary (GD) at Airport Police Station and showing him arrested under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Harun Or Rashid confirmed the development.

During the hearing, the prosecutor said Malaysian police detained the accused over alleged involvement with extremist organisations. After conviction and completion of sentence, he was sent back to Bangladesh on 25 February.

"He tarnished the country's image abroad. We need to identify who was involved with him and who financed him. If necessary, a regular case will be filed," the prosecutor told the court.

In the remand petition, Investigating Officer Sub-Inspector Md Aminul Islam said police need to determine whether the accused has links with any banned organisation in Bangladesh, what electronic devices were used and who provided financial support. 

It is also necessary to verify whether such networks exist in Bangladesh and whether there are links with any internationally banned organisation, he said.

According to the investigating officer, while staying in Malaysia he posted various videos related to Hamas, the Taliban and Al-Qaeda on Facebook. 

Malaysian police detained him on suspicion of involvement with extremist groups over those posts.

During initial questioning, he admitted that he had written and shared such content on Facebook while in Malaysia, the officer said.

"The accused may carry out extremist attacks at any time in Bangladesh or other countries," Sub-Inspector Md Aminul Islam told the court while arguing for remand.

The accused had no lawyer during the hearing.

In court, the judge asked what Masudur Rahman did in Malaysia. He replied, "I worked at a plastic factory."

Asked whether he had posted about extremist groups on Facebook, he said, "Yes, sir, I used to write and post about them."

When asked why, he replied, "Sir, I liked sharing those." Asked whether he knew it was an offence, he said, "No, sir."

After hearing both sides, the court granted a two-day remand.

Police said further legal action will depend on the outcome of the interrogation.