Pakistani Taliban Expands Reach into Bangladesh, Security Agencies Unaware

Despite arrests and growing signs of militant activity, Bangladesh's intelligence agencies appear largely unaware. Security analysts fear this development could destabilize the region and urge immediate attention from authorities.

Edited By: Shubham Singh

Last Updated : 17 July 2025, 03:22 PM IST

Pakistani Taliban Expands Reach into Bangladesh, Security Agencies Unaware (Image Source: AFP)

After years of militant activity in Pakistan, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) seems to be shifting focus to Bangladesh, raising fresh security concerns in the region. Despite clear indicators of TTP’s recruitment drive in the country, Bangladesh’s intelligence and security systems appear largely uninformed about the developments.

Evidence of Recruitment and Travel to Afghanistan

There are confirmed cases of at least two Bangladeshi nationals who joined the TTP and travelled to Afghanistan through Pakistan. One of them was reportedly killed in a military encounter in Waziristan in April. Meanwhile, authorities in Malaysia recently arrested 36 Bangladeshis with suspected links to extremist networks, adding to the alarm.

Reports suggest the TTP is strengthening ties with homegrown extremist groups in Bangladesh, especially after the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. Bangladesh's Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) recently detained two suspects, Shamin Mahfuz and Md Foysal, for alleged TTP connections, according to The Daily Star.

Shamin Mahfuz: A Repeat Offender

On July 14, authorities apprehended Shamin Mahfuz in Narayanganj. Once a senior member of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and founder of another radical group in 2019, Shamin had a long history of militant involvement. Previously arrested in 2014 and again in 2023, he now faces multiple cases under anti-terror laws. He allegedly coordinated with separatist groups to organize training camps in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

TTP Recruitment and International Links

Md Foysal, 33, was arrested on July 2 in Savar for suspected TTP ties. He reportedly travelled to Afghanistan with another Bangladeshi, who later died in Waziristan. Foysal confessed to being recruited by Imran Haider, an engineer active in online jihadist propaganda. Several others have been named in a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Despite recent arrests, the TTP's silent infiltration into Bangladesh poses a significant threat. Security experts warn that without a proactive response, the problem may grow beyond control—impacting not just Bangladesh but its neighbors as well.