Public concern is mounting over whether militant activities are resurfacing in the country. New anxieties regarding the security situation have emerged after Police Headquarters issued a warning letter citing the possibility of potential militant attacks on key installations. Although no major attacks have occurred for a long time, intelligence agencies state that militancy has not been entirely eradicated; rather, there are silent efforts to organize and become active using various tactics. Intelligence agencies began working on the matter immediately after the letter was received.

Intelligence sources indicate that while major attacks are absent, the extremist network has not completely collapsed. Attempts to reactivate are being observed through online communication, the formation of small-scale organizations, and "low-profile" activities.

Law enforcement agencies were alerted following a blast at the Ummul Qura International Madrasa in the Hasanabad area of Keraniganj on December 26 last year. The explosion damaged the walls of two rooms in the building and affected a nearby CNG garage. According to locals, a second explosion occurred at the same location three to four days later, injuring one person.

Following the incident, a series of operations led to the arrest of 17 people, including the main accused militant leader and bomb-maker, Al Amin Sheikh. The investigating agency, the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU), stated that seven of them are named in the case statement.

Madrasa Blast Foils Plans for Major Attack

Meanwhile, police intelligence has arrested Istiaq Ahmed Samy (alias Abu Bakkar alias Abu Mohammad), a member of a banned extremist organization. During interrogation, investigators found evidence of his regular communication with two dismissed army personnel.

This was mentioned in a cautionary letter sent from the Confidential Branch of Police Headquarters to the heads of police units across the country on April 23.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Harun Or Rashid of the Motijheel Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police stated that they have received instructions from Police Headquarters. The DMP Protection Division is coordinating as necessary to strengthen the security of key installations.

The letter from Police Headquarters stated that information had been received regarding plans by supporters of banned extremist organizations to attack important installations. It also noted that the arrested Istiaq Ahmed Samy had regular contact with two dismissed army personnel.

The letter expressed fears that attempts could be made to carry out bomb attacks or attacks using sharp domestic weapons and firearms at the National Parliament, Bangladesh Police and Army installations, religious sites, entertainment centers, Shahbagh Square, and other state-critical installations. There was also a warning that plans might target the armories of various forces. Considering the overall security, those involved have been labeled as extremely high-risk.

In this situation, instructions have been given to strengthen the security of key installations, increase surveillance, and take necessary legal action against relevant individuals.

Lashkar-e-Taiba Involvement?

A responsible police source stated that information has been found regarding a potential link between the arrested Istiaq Ahmed Samy and the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba. However, officials said the matter is still under investigation.

Previously, a report published in the Indian media on March 31 stated that Indian law enforcement had arrested eight members of the Pakistani extremist group Lashkar-e-Taiba from various locations in India. Indian police claimed that seven of those detained were Bangladeshi citizens. They were arrested during a two-month operation from the Bangladesh border area, Kolkata, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.

The seven Bangladeshis identified in the Times of India report are: Mizanur Rahman (32), Zahidul Islam (40), Mohammad Liton (40), Mohammad Uzzal (27), and Omar Faruq (32) from Bogra; Md. Shafayet Hossain (34) from Jhalakathi; and Rabiul Islam (27) from Thakurgaon.

Is the Militant Network Reactivating?

According to security-related sources, militant organizations in Bangladesh are no longer operating in open organizational structures as they did before. Instead, a trend of conducting activities through small cell-based networks is being observed. Their primary tactics include online radicalization, creating "lone wolf" or individual attackers, preparing low-capacity explosives or concealed weapons, and using encrypted or secret apps for covert communication.

An intelligence officer said that although militancy is not currently visible, the risk of "sleeper cells" has not entirely ended.

Need for Past Experience and Caution

Over the last decade, consistent law enforcement operations dealt a major blow to militant networks. Specifically, after the 2016 Holey Artisan attack, crackdowns dismantled the organizational capacity of several groups. Consequently, militant activity appeared to decrease for a long period. However, security analysts believe the greatest risk now is digital radicalization. Virtual space is currently being used as a primary platform for extremist recruitment and the spread of ideology.

Those concerned say the origins of extremist networks in Bangladesh occurred in the 1990s through individuals returning from the Afghan war. On April 30, 1992, the Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B) was officially announced.

Later, in April 1998, Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) was established under the leadership of Shaikh Abdur Rahman. Siddiqur Rahman, alias Bangla Bhai, was his chief associate. Between 2001 and 2005, the organization began showing its strength openly.

The grenade attack on an Awami League rally in the capital on August 21, 2004, and the synchronized series of bomb attacks at nearly 500 locations in 63 districts on August 17, 2005, are considered major turning points in the history of militancy in Bangladesh. JMB claimed responsibility for those attacks.

Call for Vigilance Until Investigation Ends

Regarding the communication with two former army personnel based on the letter from Police Headquarters and information from an arrested individual, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Mahfuzur Rahman said that it would not be right to reach a final decision on this matter just yet. Drawing major conclusions based on one arrest or primary information is risky. The matter will become clearer as the investigation progresses; the media and the public must wait patiently.

He said that during times of new political reality or change, many types of information or analyses come forward. In some cases, there may be attempts to create hyper-tension or anxiety. However, nothing should be said without verification.

Addressing the mention of former army personnel, he said there is no extremist culture within the Bangladesh Armed Forces. The force's own professional structure and discipline are very strong. The armed forces prioritize the security of the state and its people regardless of race, religion, or ideology. Therefore, the possibility of such an occurrence is very low.

He noted that some media outlets in neighboring countries are highlighting the issue. However, we should evaluate the real situation by verifying our own information. There is no need to panic based on internal or external propaganda.

Regarding the issuance of the police letter, he said law enforcement agencies issue warnings primarily as a preventive measure. This is a normal part of the security system. A warning should not be taken to mean that a major attack is imminent. The situation is being monitored, and the relevant agencies are looking into it.