Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 4 - Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami/Bangladesh (HUJI-B)

Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami/Bangladesh

Aka:  HUJI-B; Harakat ul Jihad e Islami Bangladesh; Harkatul Jihad al Islam; Harkatul Jihad; Harakat ul Jihad al Islami; Harkat ul Jihad al Islami; Harkat-ul-Jehad-al-Islami; Harakat ul Jihad Islami Bangladesh; Islami Dawat-e-Kafela; IDEK.

Description:  Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami/Bangladesh (HUJI-B) was designated as an FTO on March 5, 2008.  Formed in 1992 by a group of Bangladeshi Afghan veterans, HUJI-B seeks to establish hardline Islamist rule in Bangladesh through violence.  In 2005, Bangladeshi authorities banned the group.  HUJI-B leaders signed the 1998 fatwas sponsored by Usama bin Laden that declared U.S. civilians legitimate targets.  HUJI-B has connections to al-Qa’ida and Pakistani terrorist groups advocating similar objectives, including HUJI and Lashkar e-Tayyiba.

Activities:  In February 2024, two top HUJI-B leaders were arrested in Dhaka.  HUJI-B did not claim responsibility for any attacks in 2024.

Strength:  HUJI-B’s total membership was unknown.

Location/Area of Operation:  Bangladesh and India.

Funding and External Aid:  HUJI-B’s funding came from a variety of sources, including donations from sympathetic individuals and organizations, as well as criminal activities such as piracy, smuggling, and arms-running.  Several international NGOs may have funneled money to HUJI-B.

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