Nine convicted militants sentenced to death remain on the run, raising fresh concerns about public safety and counterterrorism efforts in the country.
According to law enforcement data, a total of 1,611 militants are currently listed nationwide. A significant number of them have been released on bail over the years. Between 2021 and 2024, at least 1,231 militants were freed from prison on bail. From September 2024 to July 2025, another 380 militants secured bail.
Among these 380 individuals are members of various groups: 7 from Ansar al-Islam, 4 from ABT (Ansarullah Bangla Team), 68 from JMB (Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh), 6 from Neo-JMB, 6 from Hizb ut-Tahrir, 4 from Imam Mahmuder Kafela, 4 from HuJI (Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami), 15 from JAFHS, and 265 affiliated with unnamed organizations. Notably, at least 114 of those released on bail have failed to appear in court since their release.
In addition, at least 370 militants accused under anti-terrorism laws have not yet been arrested.
Prison data also highlights ongoing challenges. As of June last year, 162 militants were held in 16 prisons across the country. Among them, 32 are under trial, 59 are on death row, 46 are serving life sentences, and 25 are convicted under other charges.
A particularly alarming issue is the prison break in August 2024. Of those who escaped, 79 militants are still at large, including the 9 death-row convicts. Their continued absence poses a serious challenge to law enforcement agencies.
Responding to questions from journalists on Thursday, Munshi Shahabuddin, Joint Commissioner and head of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said:
“We have received information and are working on it.”
Security analysts warn that weak monitoring of bailed militants and delays in arresting fugitives could worsen the situation. They stress the need for stricter surveillance and stronger coordination to effectively counter militancy.
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