Fatah Combat System: More than a martial arts academy?

DHAKA, July 11: Fatah Combat System (FCS), which publicly presented itself as a martial arts and self-defence organisation, is now under investigation as authorities examine allegations that it used combat training to recruit and organise individuals for extremist activities.

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police is investigating FCS following the arrest of its founder, Shah Amanat Sabir, and several associates. Investigators are examining the organisation's recruitment methods, organisational structure, funding sources and possible links to militancy. Authorities have emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and the allegations have not yet been proven before a court.

According to its official website, Fatah Combat System describes itself as an Islamic martial arts and self-defence organisation dedicated to producing disciplined and physically fit Muslims. It says it provides training in hand-to-hand combat, striking, grappling, weapon disarming, and tactical movement and survival skills through branches in several districts, including Khulna, Jashore, Chandpur and Gazipur. Its promotional materials portray the organisation as a platform for physical fitness, discipline and character development based on Islamic values.

Nothing on the website indicates involvement in any unlawful activity.

The CTTC investigation presents a different picture.

According to investigators, FCS allegedly used martial arts training as a means of attracting young people before identifying selected participants for ideological indoctrination.

Police suspect new members were initially recruited through combat and self-defence courses. After observing trainees over time, organisers allegedly selected individuals whom they believed could be drawn into extremist activities.

Investigators are examining whether this recruitment model was followed at training centres in different parts of the country.

Officials stressed that these findings form part of an ongoing investigation and have yet to be tested in court.

Investigators believe the organisation gradually expanded its activities beyond its original base.

According to police, FCS established branches in several districts and had recently begun activities in Dhaka before law enforcement intervened.

Authorities are now trying to determine the full size of the network, identify additional organisers and establish whether similar activities were carried out elsewhere.

 

The investigation has already resulted in several arrests.

A Dhaka court recently sent one suspect to jail after police alleged his involvement with FCS.

Police said the suspect was arrested in Jashore, where officers recovered a machete, electronic devices and other materials during the operation.

Investigators told the court that the suspect admitted during preliminary interrogation to having links with the organisation. Police sought remand for further questioning, but the court rejected the plea and ordered that he be sent to jail.

Separately, Shah Amanat Sabir and another accused were earlier remanded for questioning as part of the CTTC investigation.

Authorities have not disclosed the full findings, saying forensic analysis remains underway.

Investigators are examining electronic devices seized during the operation as part of efforts to determine the nature and extent of FCS's activities.

According to police, mobile phones and other digital devices recovered from the suspects are undergoing forensic analysis to identify communications, organisational records and other information that could assist the investigation. Authorities are also reviewing digital materials to trace the group's alleged recruitment process and operational network.

 

During a recent court hearing, investigators also referred to a video allegedly recovered from the mobile phone of FCS founder Shah Amanat Sabir. According to the remand application, the footage contained scenes of explosions, threats delivered while holding a sharp weapon and slogans that investigators are examining as part of the ongoing probe. Police have not disclosed the full contents of the digital evidence, saying forensic examination is still underway.

The investigation has also focused on how the organisation financed its activities.

Police allege that they are examining financial transactions and investigating whether criminal offences, including robbery, were committed to generate funds for the organisation.

Investigators say financial records, communication data and digital evidence are being analysed to determine how the organisation operated and expanded.

These allegations remain under investigation.

Before the recent arrests, Fatah Combat System publicly denied allegations linking it to militancy.

Speaking at a press conference in Khulna in May, founder Shah Amanat Sabir said the organisation promoted Islamic values through martial arts training and had no connection with extremist groups.

Supporters have similarly maintained that the organisation is solely a martial arts academy.

CTTC officials say the investigation is continuing to identify additional members, establish the organisation's complete structure and determine whether it maintained links with any extremist networks.

Further arrests have not been ruled out.

The investigation has brought Fatah Combat System under unprecedented public scrutiny. While the organisation maintains that it is a self-defence academy guided by Islamic values, investigators allege it operated as a platform for extremist recruitment. Whether those allegations are substantiated will ultimately be determined through the ongoing investigation and judicial process.