Dhaka Pledges Full Cooperation in GMRB Militant Investigation in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR|| July 5: The government of Bangladesh has assured full cooperation with Malaysian authorities following the recent arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals suspected of involvement in the Radical Militant Movement of Bangladesh (GMRB), a group allegedly linked to extremist activities. In an official statement released today, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry confirmed that its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur had promptly reached out to Malaysian officials to obtain the identities of those arrested and details of the charges brought against them.

“The Government of Bangladesh maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, extremism, and militancy and will fully support Malaysia in its investigation,” the statement read. According to the ministry, five individuals have already been formally charged in Malaysian courts, while the remaining suspects are either under ongoing investigation or facing deportation proceedings.

The development follows a statement by Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, who revealed that Malaysian authorities had uncovered the GMRB’s activities through monitoring of social media accounts operated by Bangladeshi individuals using Malaysian IP addresses.

These accounts were allegedly used to disseminate content aligned with the Islamic State (IS) militant ideology. The police chief said a three-phase integrated security operation, carried out between April and June, resulted in the arrest of 36 GMRB members, including the group’s ringleader.

The suspects were believed to be operating from Johor, and their arrest significantly disrupted the group’s network in Malaysia. Of those detained, five have been charged under Section 6A of the Penal Code, which pertains to possession of items associated with terrorist activities. Sixteen others are being held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) for further investigation.

The rest are currently in custody pending deportation. The arrests mark a major development in Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to counter terrorism and foreign-linked militant operations within its borders. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring national security and working with international partners to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.

Malaysia and Bangladesh maintain close diplomatic and law enforcement ties, and both nations have reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional and global security.