Bangladesh under TTP’s target: ‘Red alert’ across the country

BD Digest Report

The highest security alert or ‘red alert’ has been issued across the country due to the infiltration and possible sabotage by the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) inside the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF). In addition to strengthening the security of important installations in the country, a counter-intelligence operation has been launched inside the Air Force.

According to Northeast News and various confidential sources, special operations began at the air bases of Dhaka, Chittagong and Jessore from the early hours of April 20, 2026. Two officers were arrested in the operation on charges of contact with the TTP. In addition, at least 10 airmen have been taken into custody for questioning. Investigators fear that several members of the Cox’s Bazar unit, the 25th Squadron in Chittagong and the 18th Squadron in Jessore may be associated with this extremist network.

At least 9 to 10 Air Force officers have already fled the country after getting wind of the operation. Out of these, 4 airmen are believed to have migrated to Pakistan, Portugal, Turkey and New Zealand. In view of this situation, the leave of civilian officers has been suspended from the BAF headquarters and the mobile phones of junior airmen have been confiscated and kept under round-the-clock surveillance.

Meanwhile, a letter from the Police Headquarters has asked police and law enforcement agencies across the country to be on high alert. The letter mentioned that information has been received about regular contact between two dismissed members of the armed forces and recently arrested extremist leader Ishtiaq Ahmed Sami.

According to intelligence information, this group may attack important populated areas of the capital, including the National Parliament building, law enforcement agencies’ installations and armories, religious places of worship and entertainment centers, and Shahbagh.

According to law enforcement agencies, this activity of extremist organizations poses a high risk to the overall security of the country. Especially the allegation of using military personnel as ‘sources’ has questioned the basis of national security. It is worth noting that during this operation, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman was on a visit to Malaysia.

The instructions sent to the Range DIG, Metropolitan Commissioner and District Superintendent of Police have requested to bring the suspects under the law quickly and to increase intelligence surveillance in the KPI-listed establishments. No official statement has been received from the Air Force or the government yet regarding the operation or escape.