Dhaka to cooperate with Malaysia in terror investigation: Foreign ministry

Dhaka will cooperate with Malaysia in terror investigations, while the Bangladesh mission in Kuala Lumpur remains in close contact with the relevant authorities, the foreign ministry said in a statement today (5 July).

The ministry reiterated Bangladesh's firm stance against all forms of terrorism, violent extremism, and militancy, and affirmed its readiness to fully cooperate with Malaysian authorities in this regard.

The statement came after a Dhaka court sent to jail three Bangladeshis who were detained in Malaysia and deported over alleged links to an Islamic State (IS)-affiliated militant network.

The court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate M Mizbah Ur Rahman passed the order yesterday, confirmed Airport Police Station Prosecution Sub-Inspector Bakhtiar Ahmed.

Meanwhile, on the same day, another Dhaka court asked police to lodge a regular case against the trio, reports BSS.

Court officials said Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Israt Zenifer Zerin asked the law enforcement agency to file a regular case against them.

The magistrate advised the police to seek their remand in custody after filing the case.

On 3 July, the trio were arrested on their arrival at the Shahjalal International Airport after their landing following the deportation. They have been identified as Nazrul Islam Sohag, Md Redoanul Islam and Zahid Ahmed, according to BSS.

On 27 June, Malaysia's Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail informed that 36 Bangladeshi nationals had been detained in Malaysia over alleged direct links with an extremist militant group.

Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the detained Bangladeshis, mostly labourers working in factories, construction, and petrol stations, had been taken into custody between April and June in connection with an IS-linked cell operating across the country.

Five of the suspects have been formally charged in Malaysian courts, 15 are set for deportation, and 16 remain in custody for further investigation, according to Malaysian police.

Dhaka asks Malaysia to share detainees' identities

In its statement, the foreign ministry said the government of Bangladesh is closely monitoring the developments, and the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is in close communication with the Malaysian authorities.

"Bangladesh High Commission will extend necessary support to the expatriate Bangladeshis wherever needed," said the ministry.

It further said the high commission has formally requested for the identities of the individuals and information regarding the allegations brought against them.

"Of the arrested/detained individuals, formal charges have been filed against five in Malaysian courts. The rest are in the process of either further investigation or deportation," it said.

On 3 July, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that Dhaka has sought detailed information from Malaysian authorities regarding the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia.

Hossain said Dhaka will verify the allegations against the arrested individuals to determine whether they were involved in militancy.

"If they are found to be involved, we will ensure their punishment," he added.