Bangladesh-US Embassy: Why are US embassy officials unable to sleep peacefully in Dhaka?

Bangladesh-US Embassy: The plot of a terrorist attack on the US Embassy in Dhaka has given sleepless nights to Bangladesh and US officials. Recent intelligence information revealed that terrorist organizations Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqia and Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) were planning a major attack. The conspiracy was to kidnap and kill Bangladeshi employees of the embassy and a religious worker. However, the threat was averted due to the quick action and vigilance of the security agencies, and the main accused Shamin Mahfuz was arrested.

Reconnaissance under the pretext of playing cricket

According to intelligence reports, the terrorists had conducted a recce around the embassy under the pretext of playing cricket. This attack was expected to be very deadly, although the name of any specific employee was not made clear. The terrorist organizations involved in this conspiracy had made full preparations to breach the security system of the embassy.

America's concern and high-level meetings in Dhaka

As soon as the threat was reported, the US Embassy immediately established contact with the Bangladesh government. In July, US Charge d'Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson and later Megan Bouldin met Bangladesh's army chief, national security adviser, and home adviser.

A meeting with Home Advisor Lieutenant General (Retired) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on July 10 discussed issues such as counter-terrorism operations, law and order, and women's online safety. Both sides stressed on further strengthening security cooperation.

Shamin Mahfuz: A veteran of terror activities

Just days after the meeting, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-11) arrested Shamin Mahfuz from Narayanganj. Mahfuz has previously been arrested for terror activities in 2011, 2014, and 2023. This time he is accused of having links with the Pakistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Along with him, six other accused, including engineer Imran Haider and Rezaul Karim Abrar, have also been booked. They are accused of receiving terrorist training in Afghanistan and Pakistan and preparing for jihadist activities.

Formation of US Special Force

After this incident, the US Embassy in Dhaka has taken steps towards forming a special force in collaboration with Bangladesh Police under SPEAR (Special Program for Embassy Augmentation and Response). The purpose of this force is to ensure the safety of the embassy and its employees by responding quickly in any emergency.