Bangladesh on high alert after militant attack threats

Bangladesh Police has issued a nationwide security alert over possible militant attacks on key installations, including the parliament complex. Officials and media reports said that the alert has been issued based on intelligence reports. The official described the alert as urgent and confidential. A Police Headquarters (PHQ) letter warned of possible coordinated attacks targeting the parliament complex, places of worship, entertainment facilities, and military and police installations, with armouries seen as potential targets, media reported. 
The alert was issued after the recent arrest of a banned militant outfit operative, Istiak Ahmed Sami alias Abu Bakkar, who was allegedly in contact with two dismissed military personnel. According to reports, the letter also included profiles of two alleged key planners behind the potential attacks, but did not name any organisation.
It described the suspected perpetrators as extremely dangerous for the overall security of the country. Quoting law enforcement officials, media reports said the militant group could adopt multiple methods to carry out attacks. The PHQ directed specialised police units, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch (SB), and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crimes (CTTC) unit, to heighten vigilance, while regular police across the country have been asked to remain on high alert. Bangladesh had witnessed an upsurge of extremist forces in the past 18 months during the Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime, following the ouster of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August 2024.