Shibbir Ahmed | UN। New York: The United Nations has raised concerns that Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the South Asian affiliate of Al-Qaeda, is attempting to establish new cells or operational networks in Bangladesh.

The concern was highlighted in the 38th report of the United Nations Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which monitors the activities of ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaeda and associated organizations. The report, S/2026/651, was released on August 10, 2026, and assesses developments between December 16, 2025, and June 9, 2026.

According to paragraph 101 of the report, AQIS is seeking to strengthen its position as a regional terrorist organization through small, dispersed and decentralized cells, rather than large operational units. The group is also working to develop logistical and financial networks.

The monitoring team expressed concern that AQIS may be seeking to exploit Bangladesh to establish cells there.

AQIS and the Delhi Red Fort Attack

The report also addresses the November 2025 attack near Delhi’s Red Fort, noting the reported connection between the incident and AQIS. The incident has added to concerns over the group’s expanding regional capabilities and networks.

The UN monitoring team further assesses that AQIS is playing a significant role within the Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP) network operating in Pakistan. Some senior figures associated with the organization are reportedly based in Kabul and maintain contacts with the Afghan Taliban authorities, according to the report.

Growing Terrorist Threats Across South Asia

The UN report warns that the security environment in South Asia remains increasingly complex. Cross-border violence and clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier, combined with the continued presence of militant organizations in the region, are contributing to broader regional security concerns.

The report also says that the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) reorganized its institutional structure following its annual Rahbari Shura, or leadership council, meeting on December 25.

Under the new structure, the group reportedly added two administrative divisions—“Balochistan and Central” and “Kashmir and Gilgit.” The report also refers to the announcement of a controversial new unit known as the “TTP Air Force.”

Al-Qaeda Support for the Taliban and TTP

The report states that on April 28, Al-Qaeda’s media outlet, As-Sahab Media Foundation, publicly expressed support for the Afghan Taliban and, notably, for the TTP.

According to UN monitoring assessments, Al-Qaeda has maintained longstanding ideological and organizational links with the TTP. The continued interaction among militant networks operating from Afghanistan and Pakistan is adding another layer of complexity to the security situation in South Asia.

Concerns Over Chemical and Biological Weapons

The report also raises concerns about the long-standing interest of Al-Qaeda and ISIL in developing chemical and biological weapons.

Although technical difficulties have prevented these organizations from achieving major capabilities in this area, the UN says extremist networks continue to disseminate information online concerning toxic substances and potential chemical and biological agents.

The report notes that an English-language ISIL publication released material concerning toxic substances in February and highlights the group’s continuing interest in ricin.

In late 2025, three people—including a doctor—were arrested in India in a case involving an ISIL-linked network. According to the UN assessment, the individuals had allegedly been tasked by an ISIL cell operating abroad with producing ricin.

What Does the UN Warning Mean for Bangladesh?

One of the most significant findings in the latest UN assessment is the changing organizational strategy of Al-Qaeda’s regional affiliates. Rather than relying primarily on large bases, these groups are increasingly attempting to operate through small, decentralized cells supported by financial and logistical networks.

The UN warning about possible AQIS efforts to establish cells in Bangladesh therefore represents a significant security concern for the country.

It also highlights the importance of strengthening monitoring of cross-border networks, extremist propaganda, terrorist financing and the development of small, decentralized cells.

However, the UN report does not identify any specific AQIS cell, location, number of members or operational base in Bangladesh. Therefore, the report should not be interpreted as confirmation that an AQIS cell has already been established in the country.

Overall, the UN’s 38th report warns that the terrorist threat in South Asia is becoming increasingly complex, with AQIS and other regional networks adopting more decentralized structures and seeking to expand their operational, financial and logistical capabilities.

For Bangladesh, the warning over possible AQIS efforts to establish cells is among the most significant security concerns highlighted in the latest UN assessment.