Malaysia Detains 36 Bangladeshis for Alleged Links to IS Militant Group

Staff Correspondent

Malaysian police have detained 36 Bangladeshi nationals on allegations of involvement with the militant group Islamic State (IS).

The information was reported on June 27, Friday, by the Malaysian news outlet Harian Metro.

Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the detentions occurred in three phases of planned security operations in Selangor and Johor states from April 24.

He said that charges under the Penal Code for terrorism-related offenses have been brought against five of the detainees in the Shah Alam and Johor Bahru Sessions Courts.

Additionally, deportation orders have been issued for 15 individuals, while investigations into alleged IS links are ongoing for the remaining 16.

In a statement, the Home Minister said, “The detained individuals were propagating the extremist ideology of IS. They had formed cells within their communities to spread extremist views, raise funds for terrorist activities, and planned to expand militancy in their home country.”

He emphasized, “Malaysia will not become a hub for any extremist group or foreign conspiracy.”

The Home Minister praised the expertise and swift action of the Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) Special Branch in this operation.

He said, “PDRM’s efforts demonstrate their commitment to public safety and national security.”

He further stated that the Counter-Terrorism Division (KDN) is intensifying intelligence gathering and surveillance operations. Coordination with domestic and international security agencies will be enhanced to keep Malaysia safe, stable, and free from terrorism.

Saifuddin Nasution issued a stern warning, saying, “Any attempt to use Malaysia for extremist activities or as a transit hub will be strictly suppressed.”

This incident has raised concerns in the context of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia.

Earlier, in 2016, eight Bangladeshi nationals were detained in Singapore for allegedly forming a group called “Islamic State in Bangladesh” (ISB).

The recent incident has renewed concerns about the rise of extremism among Bangladeshi expatriate workers.

Security analyst Aminul Haque said, “After the August 5 incident, some militants who escaped from jail or were released on bail secretly managed to go to Malaysia, and it is suspected that they had indirect support from a faction within the government.”

He added, “The arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia for alleged extremist links is highly alarming. This will further increase suspicion towards Bangladeshis in other countries on the international stage.”

“Opportunities for Bangladeshis to work, study, or travel abroad have already become limited. Obtaining visas has become difficult, and such incidents may push it towards complete closure,” he continued.

“Under this head of government, the entire world seems to have shrunk for Bangladeshis,” Aminul Haque also remarked.

The Bangladeshi government has not yet issued any formal statement on the matter. However, discussions are ongoing between the two countries to enhance cooperation in ensuring the safety and rights of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.

On May 16, the Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin reiterated his commitment during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry’s advisor Asif Nazrul to protect Bangladeshi workers from exploitation and fraud.

This incident may also reflect Bangladesh’s internal security situation.

Since August 5 last year, political instability and violence have increased in the country. Analysts believe that extremist groups are taking advantage of this unrest.

Malaysia’s operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in preventing the spread of extremism among expatriate Bangladeshis.

Sources:
Harian Metro, June 27, 2025
Free Malaysia Today, June 27, 2025
Reuters, May 4, 2016
Malay Mail, May 16, 2025