DHAKA, July 16, 2025 – Bangladeshi security forces have arrested two militants belonging to Pakistan-based Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Dhaka. Intelligence reports suggest they had active links with Indian handlers.
According to Dhaka’s Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU), Rapid Action Battalion Unit‑11 intercepted suspects Ahmed Faisal (33) and Shamin Mahfuz (49) in separate raids, leading to their formal court remand for interrogation (). This arrest underlines Bangladesh’s enhanced vigilance against cross-border extremist networks.
???? Strategic Context & Regional Defence Shift
Since the August 2024 student-led uprising that led to the ouster of PM Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has embarked on a substantial foreign policy and defence realignment. Under interim PM Muhammad Yunus, Dhaka has markedly pivoted toward Islamabad, reinforcing military and intelligence partnerships .
Senior visits—such as Pakistan’s ISI head Lt Gen Asim Malik to Dhaka and Bangladesh’s Lieutenant Gen SM Kamr-ul-Hassan to Rawalpindi—focused on establishing joint intel-sharing mechanisms and resilience against “external influences” .
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly expressed Islamabad’s commitment to deepen defence, political, economic, and cultural cooperation with Dhaka. Military cooperation—ranging from exercises to training—has seen a marked uptick recently .
???? Significance of the Arrest Amid Ties with Pakistan
Enhanced Security Operations
The arrests demonstrate Dhaka’s active counterterrorism posture through elite units like the ATU and RAB , echoing Islamabad’s support and experience in combating militant networks.
Mutual Benefits from Intelligence Collaboration
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Pakistani intelligence visits and MoUs with Bangladesh for liaison-building and data-sharing have culminated in tangible action—like these latest arrests.
Broader Diplomatic Alignment
Historically strained relations due to the 1971 war and Hasina’s India-leaning policies have softened. Bangladesh’s current leadership openly welcomes Pakistani military partnership, even discussing advance platforms like the JF‑17 fighter jet .
???? Regional Implications
Counterterrorism Edge: Arresting TTP operatives highlights the value of bilateral intelligence frameworks and military coordination in South Asia.
Shifting Alliances: With Dhaka diversifying its strategic relations away from India, cooperation with Pakistan is becoming a cornerstone in the current interim government’s foreign policy.
Prospective Defence Deals: Discussions on joint exercises, intelligence exchanges, and fighter jet acquisitions (such as the JF‑17) are indicators of a deeper military alignment .