Terror Cell Operating Under Martial Arts Centre's Banner Busted In Bangladesh; ISIS-Linked Video Found On Instructor's Phone

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested the head of an organisation operating under the guise of a martial arts training institution. Several other individuals were also arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation.

According to law enforcement authorities cited by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, those arrested were instructors and students of 'Fatah Combat System' (FCS), a martial arts training institution based in Khulna.

Video Shows Terror Slogans And Threats By Martial Arts Chief

Investigators are closely examining a 2-minute-23-second video recovered from the mobile phone of Shah Amanat Sabir, the chief of the Fatah Combat System (FCS).

According to police, the video, recorded at night on a rural road, allegedly shows explosions, terrorist slogans, and Sabir brandishing a sharp weapon while issuing threats. Authorities further stated that the clip features an Arabic song linked to ISIS propaganda in the background, NDTV reported.

National Citizens Party Member Under Investigation

A member of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) is also being investigated in connection with this case. The party was formed by student leaders following the 2024 anti-Sheikh Hasina protests in Bangladesh, emerging during the tenure of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Those arrested in connection with the anti-terrorism investigation include Ataullah Shah, the joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party's Gazipur city convener committee, who was expelled from the NCP on July 7 following his arrest. Shah was arrested along with six others on July 5 from the Balur Math area in Mini Cox's Bazar under the Jatrabari police station.

According to CTTC Chief Shamsul Haque, the investigation currently involves the names of 10 to 12 individuals associated with the FCS, over their alleged involvement in extremist activities.

A Dhaka court has sent 19-year-old Tahseen Islam to prison following his arrest over alleged involvement in extremist activities linked to the FCS. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Albiruni Mir issued the order after police argued that custodial interrogation was essential to advance the investigation into the group's network. Isam was arrested at his residence in the border district of Jashore. During the search at his home, police seized a machete and several electronic devices that are now being investigated.

In a related development, police in Jashore have filed a robbery case against FCS founder Shah Amanat Sabir and five others amid allegations that stolen money and vehicles were used to finance the activities of the organisation.

What Is The Fatah Combat System (FCS)?

The Fatah Combat System (FCS), founded by Ustaz Shah Amanat Sabir, brands itself as a martial arts and self-defence organisation in Bangladesh. However, the institution came under the scanner of anti-terror investigators following allegations that it radicalises young citizens and incites extremist activities.

The CTTC unit is currently investigating the organisation's financial sources and operational activities to uncover the extent of its network.

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