TERRORIST GROUPS
ISIS-Bangladesh
( AS OF June 2025 )
OVERVIEW
ISIS’s network in Bangladesh aims to overthrow the government of Bangladesh to establish a state governed by ISIS’s interpretation of sharia. From 2015 to 2021, the network conducted 40 attacks, killing 47 people—including a US citizen—and injuring more than 200. Since at least 2020, Bangladeshi CT pressure and reduced support from global ISIS leaders have degraded the network’s capabilities, including its ability to conduct attacks.
OPERATING AREAS
Primarily active in Dhaka, Jhenaidah, Rangpur, and Sylhet, Bangladesh
MEMBERS
At least several dozen
TACTICS AND TARGETS
ISIS’s network in Bangladesh has historically targeted police, religious minorities, government officials and buildings, and foreign aid workers. They have used edged weapons, IEDs, small arms, and suicide bombers in their attacks.
TERRORIST GROUP DESIGNATION
On 27 February 2018, the US Department of State designated ISIS’s network in Bangladesh as an FTO. On 28 February 2018, the State Department listed the network as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity.
KEY LEADERS
Mahadi Hasan Jon
a.k.a. Abu Abbas Al Bangali
The network’s self-appointed amir since September 2020; he was arrested in Turkey in 2023
NOTABLE ATTACKS
25 March 2017
Sylhet, Bangladesh
ISIS’s network in Bangladesh bombs a crowd that gathered to watch a police raid targeting the network, killing six people and wounding 57.
17 March 2017
Dhaka, Bangladesh
ISIS’s network in Bangladesh attempts a suicide bombing against an anti-terrorism police unit, injuring two people.
1-2 July 2016
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Five operatives from ISIS’s network in Bangladesh attack the Holey Artisan Bakery with small arms and hand grenades. They take hostages before killing 22 people, including a US citizen, and wounding 40 others.
28 September 2015
Dhaka, Bangladesh
ISIS’s network in Bangladesh kills an Italian NGO worker in a drive-by shooting.