Malaysian police: Bangladeshi militant group sought recruits for IS

A Bangladeshi militant group, uncovered by Malaysian counter-terrorism officers in April, was actively recruiting members to join the Islamic State’s (IS) fight in Syria and channelling financial support to the terror organisation, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail (main image), said today.

Authorities said the group’s presence in Malaysia highlighted how the country continues to be exploited as a transit and coordination hub by foreign terror elements, raising concerns over national security and Malaysia’s global reputation.

Khalid said the arrests of 36 group members reflected the government’s firm stance against any activities that could tarnish Malaysia’s image.

“The spread of extremist ideology among migrants could trigger subversive activities,” he said during a press conference at Bukit Aman.

“Malaysia risks becoming a logistics and transit hub for foreign militant groups if this issue is not addressed. It could negatively affect the country’s image on the global stage and strain diplomatic ties.”

Malaysia has been on alert for IS-related activity since 2013, following the group’s rise in Syria and Iraq. Authorities have since arrested hundreds of Malaysians and foreign nationals involved in IS-linked plots, recruitment and fundraising, and have foiled dozens of planned attacks.

Modus operandi

The group, identified as Kumpulan Gerakan Militan Radikal Bangladesh (Bangladesh Radical Militant Movement), was based in Johor with members operating across Selangor. Police said the group charged RM500 to those seeking to join and primarily recruited via social media platforms.

“They set up groups on WhatsApp and Telegram to recruit members to join IS in Syria and to collect funds, some of which were also channelled back to Bangladesh,” Khalid said.

“We believe prospective members were required to pay a RM500 annual fee. Donations were voluntary, depending on how much members could afford.”

Investigations also found that those who pledged allegiance (bai’ah) were automatically appointed as cell leaders in Malaysia.

Authorities estimate the group had between 100 and 150 members.

Police are collaborating with strategic partners and Interpol to determine whether the group has links to IS cells in other countries.

Radicalisation and arrests

The group is believed to have been active for over a year. Most of its members had initially come to Malaysia for work in the manufacturing, construction and service sectors. However, many were subsequently radicalised through IS propaganda spread by fellow nationals via social media.

The group first drew the attention of Malaysia’s counter-terrorism unit in April, when several Facebook accounts promoting IS propaganda were detected. The profiles were traced back to Bangladeshi nationals living in Malaysia.

Following the discovery, police launched a series of raids in Johor and Selangor. Six individuals were arrested on April 28, followed by 14 more – including the group’s leader – on May 7. Another 16 were detained between June 19-21, bringing the total number of suspects to 36, all aged between 25 and 35.

So far, five have been charged in court with joining a terrorist group, spreading terrorist propaganda and collecting funds to support terror activities. Another 15 have been handed over to the Immigration Department for deportation, while 16 remain in custody under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.