The Chief of the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) of Bangladesh Police, Additional Inspector General of Police Md. Rezaul Karim, has stated that Bangladeshis recently arrested in Malaysia have no connections to terrorism. He made the clarification during an interaction with journalists at the ATU headquarters in Baridhara Diplomatic Zone, Dhaka, on Thursday, September 25.

Md. Rezaul Karim explained that each of the individuals arrested in Malaysia was questioned separately by ATU officials. “They are all laborers,” he said, adding that the interrogations revealed that none of them were involved in terrorist activities. The arrested individuals reportedly believed they were assisting destitute and vulnerable people, and Malaysian authorities have cleared them of any wrongdoing. The ATU is continuing investigations to determine the networks or entities behind their actions.

The ATU chief addressed questions regarding the unit’s relevance, particularly since government officials have suggested that there is currently no active terrorism in Bangladesh. “Can anyone give a guarantee that there will be no terrorism in the future?” he asked rhetorically. “In that case, we cannot afford to be complacent. Our work needs to continue even more seriously.”

He further emphasized that even a single act of terrorism can severely damage Bangladesh’s international reputation. Using the example of the 2005 series of bombings in Bangladesh, he illustrated how undereducated and misguided individuals can be influenced by extremist ideologies, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures.

The ATU chief also underlined the peaceful nature of all religions, noting that no religion supports extremism or terrorism. In this context, he urged the media to convey accurate messages and to play a proactive role in identifying groups that exploit religion for violent purposes.

He stressed that the ATU’s responsibilities extend beyond responding to immediate threats. The unit is tasked with monitoring potential risks, preventing radicalization, and ensuring that vulnerable populations are not misled by extremist narratives. By combining intelligence gathering with community outreach, the ATU aims to maintain national security and public confidence in law enforcement.

Md. Rezaul Karim’s statements come amid concerns about the necessity of specialized counterterrorism institutions in Bangladesh. He asserted that the unit remains essential to anticipate and respond to threats before they materialize. Even when no active terrorism exists, the ATU continues to operate proactively to prevent any potential incidents that could harm the nation’s image or endanger citizens.

The Chief also highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, both domestically and internationally, to effectively combat extremism. This includes working closely with foreign governments, sharing intelligence, and ensuring that law enforcement agencies are prepared for any emerging security challenges.

Concluding his remarks, the ATU chief reiterated that the unit’s work is a critical component of Bangladesh’s national security strategy. He urged continued public support for law enforcement efforts and emphasized the role of responsible media reporting in countering misinformation and preventing radicalization.