Bangladesh Anti-Terror Unit Arrests Martial Arts Academy Chief, Students

Bangladesh's Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit has launched a major investigation into a martial arts organisation following the arrest of its chief and several students and instructors over alleged links to terrorist activities. According to law enforcement authorities, those detained are associated with Fatah Combat System (FCS), a Khulna-based martial arts and self-defence training institution. The arrests form part of an ongoing anti-terror operation led by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

Investigators allege that the organisation, which publicly presented itself as a martial arts training academy, is being examined for suspected extremist activities. Police said the probe widened after evidence recovered during the investigation pointed to possible radicalisation and the dissemination of extremist material. Authorities have not yet disclosed the total number of arrests or the specific charges filed against each of the accused as the investigation remains ongoing.

According to officials, investigators recovered a video from the mobile phone of Shah Amanat Sabir, identified as the chief of Fatah Combat System. Police claim the two-minute-and-23-second video allegedly depicts explosions on a rural road at night, includes terrorist slogans and shows Sabir making threats while holding a sharp weapon. Authorities further alleged that the clip used an Arabic song associated with ISIS propaganda as background audio. The authenticity and evidentiary value of the video will be examined as part of the legal proceedings.

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The investigation has also drawn attention to the alleged involvement of a student leader, with authorities examining possible links between members of the organisation and extremist networks. However, officials have not publicly released complete details regarding the individual's role or any formal charges at this stage. The case remains under active investigation, and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Bangladesh has intensified counter-terrorism operations in recent years to combat extremist organisations and prevent radicalisation. Security agencies have continued to monitor groups suspected of using educational, religious or training institutions as fronts for unlawful activities, while stressing that investigations are conducted based on available evidence and intelligence inputs.

The CTTC has said the probe is continuing and that additional digital evidence and witness statements are being analysed. Authorities have urged the public not to draw premature conclusions while the investigation is underway, noting that the allegations against those arrested will ultimately be tested through Bangladesh's judicial process.

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