Malaysia to return 36 Bangladeshi nationals: Foreign Adviser

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said the Malaysian authorities will return 36 Bangladeshi nationals to the country on alleged militancy charges.

“We have sought detailed information about the 36 Bangladeshis arrested in Malaysia, and we are now awaiting their response,” the adviser told reporters during a regular briefing at the foreign ministry on Thursday afternoon. 

Hossain said Dhaka will verify the allegations against the arrested individuals to determine whether they were involved in militancy. 

“If they are found to be involved, we will ensure their punishment,” he added.

Responding to a question on whether the incident could negatively impact the issuance of Malaysian visas to Bangladeshi nationals in the future, the adviser said, “Any negative incident can affect visa issuance … we cannot say it will not have an impact.”

However, he noted that it is important to take appropriate measures in such cases to minimize any potential impact. “If we take proper steps, the impact can be minimized,” he added.

On June 27, Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail informed that 36 Bangladeshi nationals had been detained in Malaysia over alleged direct links with an extremist militant group.

In response to another question, Hossain said, Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to undertake a bilateral visit to Malaysia in August. 

“We are working to finalize the dates for the visit,” he added.