Bangladesh Police Investigate Extremist Video Linked to Martial Arts Instructor

Authorities are investigating a video found on the mobile phone of martial arts instructor Shah Amanat Sabir as part of a probe into his alleged extremist activities. Sabir, 23, the chief instructor of Fatah Combat System, and his 20-year-old aide, Hossain Tanim, have been placed on a three-day remand for further interrogation.

“

Sabir claimed that the video was recorded by his associates and that they had added the song before sending it to someone abroad.

Four other individuals arrested alongside Sabir and Tanim on July 5 from Jatrabari’s “Mini Cox’s Bazar” area have been sent to jail. The court granted the remand for a fair investigation, with a directive for investigators to submit a report by July 12. The judge assured that the accused would be released if no incriminating evidence emerged during questioning.

“

Sabir had formed “SBJ” [short for "Sabir Bhaiyer Jama"], with 13 to 15 members, adopting the title “Ameer-e-mujahid.”

Among those arrested is Ataullah Shah, a joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party’s Gazipur city convening committee, who was expelled by his party on July 7 for "activities contrary to party principles." Investigators are exploring whether the video, martial arts training, and organizational links suggest the formation of a small extremist group.

“

“jama” was used as a shortened form of “jamaat”, meaning a group or collective.

The recovered two-minute-23-second video reportedly features explosions in a rural area at night, militant-style slogans, and Sabir issuing threats while holding a weapon. An Arabic song associated with Islamic State propaganda plays in the background. Officials have not disclosed the video's recording location or recipient. Sabir claimed associates recorded the video and added the song before sending it abroad. Investigators also revealed that Sabir formed a group called “SBJ” (Sabir Bhaiyer Jama), comprising 13 to 15 members, who adopted the title “Ameer-e-mujahid.” The group, reportedly not formally linked to any known organization, was allegedly formed after Sabir's attempts to join banned outfits like Ansar Al Islam and Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami Bangladesh failed due to ideological disagreements.

“

Sabir had approached leaders of banned outfits Ansar Al Islam and Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami Bangladesh but later formed his own group after disagreements over ideology and strategy.