Al-Qaeda attempts to establish cells in Bangladesh: UN Report

A United Nations report has expressed concern over attempts by the Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) to establish small units or cells in Bangladesh. The group, which has continued to operate and evolve in Afghanistan, has shifted its strategy from large units to small, decentralised cells with logistics and financial networks.

The report, prepared by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the UN Security Council, was published on August 10. It covered the situation from December 15, 2025, to June 9, 2026, based on assessments by member states.

The report highlighted the November 2025 attack on the Red Fort in Delhi, which has been officially attributed to AQIS. While AQIS is not yet listed under UN sanctions, the monitoring team noted that the group has been serving as the foundation for "Ittihad-ul-Mujahidin Pakistan" (IMP), which is responsible for multiple attacks, including a May 9 suicide bombing in Bannu, Pakistan, that killed 21 people.

According to the report, AQIS's top leadership is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and has been issued identity documents (tazkira) by the Taliban, indicating a close cooperative relationship between the Taliban and AQIS. The report also noted that regional tensions in South Asia remained high, with ongoing cross-border attacks between Pakistan and Afghanistan creating new opportunities for terrorist groups.