Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 1 - Bangladesh

Country Overview: On August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Hasina was ousted from office, causing confusion within the police force and the judicial system and adversely affecting CT efforts. Notably, Jasimuddin Rahmani, chief of the al-Qa’ida-linked Ansarullah Bangla Team, was released on bail by judges under pressure from their supporters and in the absence of police support.  Bangladesh’s counterterrorism efforts saw a decline in public support following reports that the Hasina government abused terrorism charges and orchestrated disappearances and killings at secret prisons.  In 2024, Bangladesh filed 40 terrorism cases against 231 individuals.  Bangladesh continued to share information with INTERPOL.  Bangladesh’s National Police Special Branch maintained a basic national terrorist watchlist, but it was not effectively shared across law enforcement elements.  Bangladesh continued its reintegration programs at educational institutions and prisons.

Bangladesh’s counter terrorist financing efforts are consistent with previous years.  Bangladesh participated in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s counterterrorism activities.  While not a member, Bangladesh attended Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS activities throughout 2024.  Bangladesh did not repatriate its 10 FTFs detained in Syria.  Bangladesh is a co-lead of the ASEAN Regional Forum Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Meetings with the United States and the Philippines.

2024 Terrorism Trends:  ISIS and al-Qa’ida (AQ) continued to plan and stockpile weapons and explosives in preparation for attacks against the government and civilians.  Previously banned radical Islamist organizations, most notably Hizb ut-Tahrir, returned to prominence due to their support against the Hasina regime.

Associated documents