Asif Nazrul, Advisor to the Interim Government on Expatriates' Welfare, announced that three Bangladeshi workers arrested in Malaysia on suspicion of involvement in militancy have already been repatriated and are currently undergoing interrogation.
All others who are subsequently repatriated on similar charges will also be questioned. If evidence of their involvement in militancy is found, they will face trial.
Nazrul made these remarks to the press on Friday (July 4).
Emphasizing the seriousness with which the Bangladesh government is addressing the issue, Asif Nazrul stated, "Malaysia is a friendly nation, and several hundred thousand Bengalis work there. Such incidents, where a few individuals face accusations of militant involvement, are highly embarrassing for us. This is a matter of concern for both Bangladesh and Malaysia."
The Expatriates' Welfare Advisor further elaborated, "As soon as they return to Bangladesh, everyone will be interrogated. If they are involved and we find suitable evidence ourselves, or receive it from Malaysian authorities, we will certainly bring them to justice. We are committed to this matter and are in communication with high-level Malaysian officials, working together. Whether on Malaysian soil or Bangladeshi soil, we will not tolerate any form of militancy. We will take a strict stance on this."
Earlier, Malaysian Police Chief Khalid Ismail announced at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur that 36 Bangladeshi nationals had been detained on suspicion of militant links, according to a report by Reuters.
The news agency's report stated that the Malaysian Police Chief revealed at the press conference that Malaysian authorities had dismantled a ring of Bangladeshi workers who used social media to promote the ideology of the Islamic State (IS) militant group and raise funds. The detained Bangladeshi workers were sending money to the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and Bangladesh.
Citing intelligence, Malaysia's Inspector General of Police Khalid Ismail stated that the group targeted other Bangladeshi workers for recruitment and spread extremist ideology using social media and online messaging platforms. Among the 36 detained Bangladeshi workers, five have been charged with being members of a terrorist organization. Fifteen will be sent back to Bangladesh, while the remaining 16 are still in police custody and under investigation.
He added that it is believed the network could involve 100 to 150 individuals. Those with less significant involvement will be repatriated, while those deeply involved will face action under Malaysian law. Operations to apprehend suspected militant-linked individuals will continue.
