Youth arrested in Jashore on suspicion of involvement in extremism

A young man has been arrested in Jashore on suspicion of involvement in extremist activities, as law enforcement agencies continue investigating an alleged radicalisation network operating in different parts of the country.

The suspect, Tahsin Islam, 19, was detained by members of the District Detective Branch (DB) from his residence in Kismat Noapara under Jessore Sadar upazila on Thursday night, police said.

During the operation, officers recovered a machete, wires and several electronic devices from his bedroom, according to investigators.

Jashore Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Mirajul Islam said the arrest was made in connection with a case filed by the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit in Dhaka.

He added that the suspect is also named in a previous robbery case.

Police said Tahsin is suspected of having links to Fatah Combat System (FCS), an alleged extremist group currently under investigation. During preliminary questioning, he acknowledged his association with the organisation, investigators claimed.

However, authorities said they have not found evidence of any active FCS organisational network operating in Jashore.

Following the completion of legal formalities, the suspect was handed over to the CTTC unit for further investigation.

The arrest comes days after six young men were detained in Dhaka's Jatrabari area on July 5 over suspected extremist activities. At the time, CTTC officials said they had uncovered a covert extremist network and launched a wider investigation.

Investigators believe the alleged group used martial arts training as a cover to spread extremist ideology and recruit young people.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.

Police said no statement from the suspect's family or any representative claiming to speak on behalf of the alleged organisation was immediately available.