UN Warns Al-Qaeda (AQIS) is Operating in Bangladesh to Establish Stronger Regional Terrorist Groups

News ၊ August 17, 2026

Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is taking advantage of the situation in Bangladesh in an effort to establish terrorist groups, warned the 38th report of the UN Security Council’s Al-Qaeda/ISIL Monitoring Team, released on August 10.

The United Nations pointed out that AQIS is aggressively trying to exploit the current conditions in Bangladesh to build its terrorist networks and small footholds within the country.

According to the UN report, AQIS is not operating as a single large organization; instead, it is active within Bangladesh through small units and dispersed networks to avoid detection.

Furthermore, it noted that AQIS has not broken down into small groups out of weakness, but is rather transitioning into stronger regional terrorist entities, targeting Bangladesh to expand its financial and logistical networks.

Although the UN report does not specify exact terrorist leaders or base locations, Bangladeshi authorities and police are conducting special investigations following the warning to check for potential links with individuals already under surveillance.

The warning highlighted concerns over AQIS growing stronger than before, operating through decentralized small cells, and attempting to establish base networks within Bangladesh.

The UN’s warning regarding AQIS operations in Bangladesh comes as 1,611 militants reportedly resume activities in the country, with over 370 individuals charged under counter-terrorism laws remaining at large.

The group was previously responsible for a car bombing near the Red Fort in New Delhi, India, in November 2025, which killed 11 people. It has also attempted raids on naval ports and security forces' bases, as well as high-jackings of military vessels in Pakistan.

Source@crd