Non-militant Bangladeshi nationals returned from Malaysia: Statement from Home Advisor
Recent disruptions in export activities at Bangladesh's airport have been attributed to procedural complications from the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Meanwhile, there has been some confusion regarding the repatriation of three Bangladeshis from Malaysia, with some speculating that they may have been militants. However, it is essential to clarify that these individuals were not militants, but their visas had simply expired.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that the three repatriated Bangladeshis were not linked to any militant groups. The adviser clarified that he was not aware of any official communication from Malaysia labeling the returnees as militants. The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already issued a statement to this effect.
The confusion may have arisen from broader concerns raised by Malaysian authorities about a separate group of Bangladeshi nationals linked to the Islamic State (IS) terror group recruiting within Malaysia's migrant worker community. Malaysian police have uncovered recruitment activities, identifying many individuals associated with it, some of whom have faced repatriation or prosecution. However, the three repatriated individuals in question were not part of this militant group.
In other news, Jahangir Alam emphasised the importance of boosting vegetable and agro-produce exports. He highlighted the need for expanding pre-loading cold storage services and expressed appreciation for the collective national efforts in eradicating militancy from Bangladesh. The adviser confirmed that there have been no reports of militancy in Bangladesh over the past ten months.
The new terminal at the airport will feature cold storage facilities dedicated to agricultural exports, aiming to facilitate the smooth export of these goods. The adviser also stressed the importance of diversifying export commodities rather than relying on a single product category. This approach would help to ensure the sustainability and growth of the nation's export sector.
In conclusion, it is crucial to distinguish between the repatriation of the three Bangladeshis from Malaysia, who were not militants, and the separate concerns about IS-linked militants recruiting among Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia. The adviser reiterated that there are no militants in Bangladesh, and the nation remains focused on expanding its agricultural exports and ensuring the security and stability of its citizens.
The Home Affairs Adviser, Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, confirmed that the three repatriated Bangladeshis were not linked to any militant groups, contrary to some speculations. This clarification comes amidst broader concerns about IS-linked militants recruiting within the migrant worker community in Malaysia.
Jahangir Alam also emphasized the significance of diversifying export commodities, such as vegetables and agro-produce, to ensure the sustainability and growth of the nation's export sector. This focus on diversification follows news about the new terminal at the airport featuring cold storage facilities dedicated to agricultural exports.
