No militancy links among repatriated Bangladeshis from Malaysia: Adviser

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that the three Bangladeshi nationals recently deported from Malaysia have no links to militancy.

Speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after inspecting the export cargo facilities, the adviser clarified, “None of the three individuals are militants.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued a statement confirming they were sent back due to expired visas — nothing more.”

He also addressed concerns raised after Malaysian authorities mentioned five individuals suspected of militancy. “The five names referenced by the Malaysian police chief have not returned to Bangladesh. We’re engaging with their authorities to verify the matter, but so far there’s no evidence of any link to militancy in Bangladesh,” he said.

Jahangir Alam reiterated the government’s firm position against extremism. “There is no room for militancy in Bangladesh. Thanks in large part to the media’s role, the country has been successful in eliminating militant threats.”

Responding to questions, he added, “In the last 10 years, there have been no militant incidents. When they existed, the media reported them. Now there’s nothing to report — because the threat has been dismantled.”

The adviser noted that his visit to the airport was part of a routine inspection, not for any formal inauguration.

“We came to observe the vegetable and fruit export process, which is managed under the Agriculture Ministry. Recently, exporters faced challenges due to NBR-related issues, causing temporary disruptions,” he said.

To support the growing volume of agricultural exports, the government plans to expand the airport’s cold storage facilities. “The new export terminal under construction will allow perishable goods to be stored immediately if they can’t be loaded onto flights due to overcapacity,” he explained.

“Our goal is not just to export a few items — we’re exploring ways to diversify Bangladesh’s export portfolio,” he added.

Following the airport visit, the adviser also toured the Uttara East Police Station and the Industrial Police Headquarters.