Bangladesh has officially requested detailed information from Malaysia regarding 36 of its nationals arrested for alleged involvement in promoting Islamic State (IS) ideology. The detainees were reportedly part of a radical movement operating in Malaysia, raising concerns in both countries.

In a statement on Saturday, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is in active communication with Malaysian authorities. “We are monitoring the situation closely. The High Commission will provide support to Bangladeshi nationals as needed,” the ministry stated.

Of the 36 arrested, five individuals have already been charged in Malaysian courts, while others are under investigation or face deportation.

Malaysia’s Inspector General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, said the arrests took place on June 27 during raids in Johor and Selangor. The group reportedly raised funds to support IS cells in Syria and Bangladesh through annual membership fees and donations via a WhatsApp network of up to 150 members.

Police clarified that the arrested individuals were not planning attacks in Malaysia but were recruiting and spreading extremist ideologies. “Five have been charged, 15 handed to Immigration, and 16 are being probed under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma),” Ismail noted.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs revealed the operation to dismantle the network began on April 24 and was carried out in three phases. Authorities confirmed that the group was attempting to promote IS beliefs, collect funds for terrorist activities, and potentially destabilize governments.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail affirmed Malaysia’s zero-tolerance stance on extremism, declaring the country will not serve as a sanctuary for foreign militant groups.