Bangladesh arrests ex-soldier over plot to attack airports, parliament and places of worship

Bangladesh anti-terrorism police arrested a former soldier on Friday after a manhunt that began in late April, following warnings of planned attacks on airports, parliament and places of worship.

The suspect, Mohammad Rahed Hossain Mahed, 23, was found hiding near the Indian border in Moulvibazar, a northeastern district. Counterterrorism officers were questioning him on Saturday over his links to a radical group.

Who was arrested in the Bangladesh attack plot?

Mohammad Rahed Hossain Mahed is a dismissed member of the Bangladesh army, according to police. He is described as a follower of Dawlatul Islam Neo-JMB, a banned radical religious outfit.

Police said he was found in a hideout near the Indian border after a manhunt that had been ongoing since late April.

What was the nature of the attack threat in Bangladesh?

Police tightened security at airports in late April after warning of a possible militant attack on key installations. The threat assessment identified airports, parliament and places of worship as potential targets.

Authorities said suspects could use sharp weapons, firearms or explosive devices to carry out the attacks.

What is Bangladesh's history with militant attacks?

Bangladesh has periodically faced attacks from homegrown militant groups inspired by Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The most deadly recent attack took place in Dhaka in 2016, when militants stormed a bakery and killed 22 people, most of them foreigners.

Around the same period, Al-Qaeda-linked militants also killed several secular writers and activists, including Avijit Roy, a US citizen of Bangladeshi origin. Five men were sentenced to death in 2021 for the killing of the secular blogger.