Bangladesh has long faced sporadic terrorism threats, but as we move into 2025, new challenges are emerging. While the country has made significant progress in counterterrorism efforts, evolving regional geopolitics, radicalization trends, and cyber threats continue to pose risks.
This 2025 update examines:
- Current terrorism threats in Bangladesh
- Key militant groups operating in the region
- Emerging trends (cyberterrorism, lone-wolf attacks)
- Government and law enforcement responses
- Future projections and preventive measures
1. Overview of Terrorism Threats in Bangladesh (2025)
1.1 Current Threat Level
- Bangladesh remains under a “moderate to high” terrorism threat, according to global security assessments.
- Urban centers (Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet) are primary targets due to political and economic significance.
- Rural radicalization persists in border areas (e.g., Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban).
1.2 Recent Incidents (2023-2025)
| Year | Incident | Group Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Attack on police checkpoint in Dhaka | Neo-JMB splinter group |
| 2024 | Explosives found near Rohingya camps | ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) |
| 2025 (Jan) | Foiled plot to attack a shopping mall | Suspected ISIS-inspired cell |
2. Key Terrorist Groups Operating in Bangladesh
2.1 Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) & Neo-JMB
- Objective: Establish Sharia law through violent means.
- 2025 Activity:
- Recruitment via underground madrasas.
- Small-scale IED attacks in northern districts.
2.2 Ansar al-Islam (Al-Qaeda Affiliate)
- Objective: Overthrow secular government.
- 2025 Activity:
- Propaganda distribution in Sylhet & Chittagong.
- Suspected ties to Pakistani militant groups.
2.3 ISIS-Bangladesh (Self-Proclaimed)
- Objective: Inspire lone-wolf attacks.
- 2025 Activity:
- Online radicalization of disillusioned youth.
- Threats against foreign nationals & NGOs.
2.4 ARSA (Rohingya Militant Group)
- Objective: Destabilize Bangladesh to pressure Myanmar.
- 2025 Activity:
- Arms smuggling in Cox’s Bazar camps.
- Clashes with Bangladesh security forces.
3. Emerging Terrorism Trends (2025)
3.1 Cyberterrorism & Online Radicalization
- Encrypted messaging apps (Telegram, Signal) used for recruitment.
- Deepfake propaganda spreading fake government messages.
3.2 Lone-Wolf Attacks
- Self-radicalized individuals targeting:
- Police personnel
- Secular bloggers
- Foreign diplomats
3.3 Use of Drones & Tech-Based Terrorism
- Smuggling weapons via drones in border areas.
- Hacking critical infrastructure (banks, power grids).
4. Government & Counterterrorism Measures
4.1 Law Enforcement Actions
- Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit – Increased raids on militant hideouts.
- Death penalties for convicted terrorists (e.g., 2024 Holey Artisan Bakery case executions).
4.2 Intelligence & Surveillance Upgrades
- Facial recognition systems in major cities.
- AI-driven social media monitoring to detect radical content.
4.3 Challenges in Counterterrorism
- Corruption in local policing delaying crackdowns.
- Rohingya camps as breeding grounds for militancy.
5. Future Projections & Preventive Measures
5.1 Potential Hotspots in 2025-2030
- Rohingya refugee camps (Cox’s Bazar)
- Border districts with Myanmar & India
- University campuses with extremist recruitment
5.2 How to Strengthen Security?
✔ Enhanced cyber policing to counter online radicalization.
✔ Community deradicalization programs in high-risk areas.
✔ Stronger regional cooperation with India & Myanmar.
5.3 Public Safety Recommendations
- Report suspicious activity to CTTC hotline (999).
- Avoid sharing extremist content online.
- Support interfaith harmony initiatives.
6. Conclusion
While Bangladesh has contained large-scale terrorist attacks, evolving threats in 2025 demand smarter policing, tech-based surveillance, and global cooperation. By addressing root causes (poverty, radicalization, border security), the nation can mitigate future risks.