Law enforcement has dismantled a cell of the Fatah Combat System (FCS), a militant initiative inspired by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that has been recruiting members under the facade of Sharia-based martial arts.
The arrests have exposed a coordinated attempt to establish an organisation in Bangladesh modelled after the international militant group TTP. Authorities say while the group is extensively active in the Khulna and Jashore regions, its leadership was intercepted upon arriving in the capital to launch martial arts training programmes.
Police have withheld detailed information following the arrest of the six FCS members from the Konapara Balur Math area of Jatrabari on Sunday. The suspects were produced in court under Section 54 on the same day and are currently undergoing a three-day remand for interrogation.
Meanwhile, FCS followers have been active on social media, alleging that a “militancy drama” has been orchestrated as part of an Indian conspiracy. During the remand, police are investigating potential international links.
Those apprehended include Shah Amanat Sabir, the chief trainer of FCS, and Hossain Tanim, alongside Junaid, Ataullah Shah, Abidur Rahman, and Bayazid.
Police records indicate that at least nine members and associates following TTP ideology had been apprehended prior to these six arrests. Authorities are now verifying if there was any direct contact between them and FCS.
In April and May of this year, five individuals were arrested in Dhaka and the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, with drones, weapons, and explosives seized. In July 2025, two individuals were arrested in Savar and Narayanganj on charges of inciting Bangladeshi youths to work for the TTP.
Mohammad Raju, officer-in-charge (OC) of Jatrabari Police Station, told TIMES of Bangladesh that FCS is a new organisation and the six individuals are currently in the custody of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, where they are being interrogated regarding domestic and international contacts, funding sources, and future plans.
A CTTC’s Organised Crime unit stated that investigations are focusing on their social media communication and recruitment methods, noting that suspects have been evading questions regarding international connections.
Jatrabari Police Station Inspector AB Siddique remarked that while they were produced under Section 54, specific cases will be filed if evidence of extremist activities is substantiated. A sub-inspector (SI) from the same station noted that the FCS network is extensive, with activities aimed at inciting youths across various regions.
They are reportedly collaborating with Afghanistan-returned extremists to recruit TTP members in Dhaka’s Basila, operating under the cover of a housing project funded by foreign charitable organisations.
During the 2024 mass uprising, several convicted and suspected militants were released from prison, while others secured bail during the tenure of the interim government.
Since then, members of banned organisations have begun operating with a degree of openness. Despite being prohibited, Hizb ut-Tahrir has held rallies in Dhaka and submitted memorandums to the Secretariat.
Officials of the interim government have maintained that “there are no militants in the country,” a sentiment also echoed by the BNP regarding their potential governance. FCS currently operates martial arts centres in Khulna city, Jashore, and Chandpur districts, as well as in Sutarkhali of Khulna and Abhaynagar of Jashore.
Police have discovered that while the group conducts martial arts training for self-defence at local stadiums, they secretly share TTP and Al-Qaeda extremist narratives with trainees via Telegram groups.
Trainees are initially selected after their psychological leanings are gauged through shared opinions, after which they are taken to remote char areas for armed training. They are motivated to travel to Afghanistan to fight for the TTP.
Sabir’s key associate, Mahfuzur Rahman, manages a Facebook page titled “Banglastaner Jongi” and serves as an FCS instructor nationwide.
TM Rokonuzzaman, assistant commissioner (media) of Khulna Metropolitan Police, said an individual known as “Sabir Master” operated a school in Farazi Para Lane between 2020 and 2022, which ceased operations after 5 August 2024.
Recently, Sabir had been inviting people under the “Kalima” flag and seeking assistance. Mohammad Tajul Islam, SP of Khulna, mentioned that information is being gathered following directives from Police Headquarters.
FCS maintains two-to-three-month karate courses in Jashore Sadar, Siddhipasha, and Nawapara. SM Nuruzzaman, OC of Abhaynagar Police Station, confirmed that FCS activities are under monitoring.
Evidence of an attempt to organise training at Dhaka’s Ramna Park prior to the Jatrabari session was found on the FCS Facebook page. The post indicates that Sabir relocated to Jatrabari after being unable to hold that session at the park due to police obstruction.
