One arrested in Dhaka for suspected involvement of Jamaatul Ansar and AQIS in U.S. Embassy attack plot

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka, August 28, 2025:

The interim government of Bangladesh has taken strict action based on intelligence information about a plan to attack the US embassy in Dhaka’s Baridhara and kidnap and kill its staff. In this incident, RAB has arrested Shamin Mahfuz, the founder of the militant organization Jamaatul Ansar fil Hindal Sharqia. He was arrested from Narayanganj on July 14 and was later remanded for five days. Intelligence information has revealed that Jamaatul Ansar fil Hindal Sharqia and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) are suspected to be involved in this plan.

Intelligence sources in Washington, D.C., have revealed that a deadly attack was planned to target religious and Bangladeshi personnel working at the US embassy. As part of this plan, a cricket match was planned at a field near the embassy. Intelligence sources have revealed that the attack was planned to be highly secretive and deadly. However, no specific target was named.

Based on this information, US Embassy officials held an emergency meeting with the Bangladesh government and expressed their deep concerns. In June-July, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Tracy Anne Jacobson met with Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, and Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Advisor Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul. In addition, on July 10, US Charge d’Affaires Megan Boldin paid a courtesy call on Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Security, counter-terrorism, and law and order issues were discussed in this meeting.

Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said in the meeting, “There is currently no militancy in Bangladesh. However, banned political parties occasionally try to hold meetings and processions, which are being strictly prevented by law enforcement agencies.” He also said that special security measures have been strengthened in the Baridhara diplomatic area and the Coast Guard has been deployed.

Shamin Mahfuz, known as the founder of Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqia, was previously arrested in 2011, 2014 and 2023 for his alleged involvement in militant activities. This time, he was arrested for his alleged involvement with the Pakistan-based militant organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He and six others were named as accused in a case filed at Savar Model Police Station. The ATU said that although Shamin is not an accused in the case, he is suspected of being associated with the TTP, and he has been remanded for questioning.

“We value our cooperation with the Bangladesh government, but we do not comment publicly on security measures,” U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Asha Beh said in an email. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy has begun discussions with the Bangladesh Police to form a special Quick Response Force under the Special Program for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR) program to strengthen its security. This force will be able to respond quickly in emergency situations.

This incident has shed new light on the terrorist activities in Bangladesh. Analysts believe that such threats can be countered through coordinated efforts of international and domestic intelligence agencies and strict security measures. The ongoing cooperation between the Bangladesh government and the US Embassy is expected to play a significant role in countering this threat.