Bulbul’s Son Under Australian Security Scrutiny Over Alleged Extremist Links

Melbourne, May 11: Australian authorities are reportedly investigating Mahadi Islam, the son of former controversial Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul, over allegations of involvement in Islamic extremism and sectarian hate activities in Australia.

According to a special report published by BD Digest, Australian security agencies are closely examining Mahadi Islam’s alleged connections with controversial Islamic preacher Mizanur Rahman Azhari, as well as his public speeches and online activities relating to Jewish and Christian communities.

The report claims that Aminul Islam Bulbul has long been known for his alleged ideological closeness to Jamaat-e-Islami and was reportedly linked to various organisational activities of the group. It further alleges that meetings involving Jamaat leaders and activists were previously held at his residence in Australia.

According to the report, a pro-Jamaat lobby allegedly played an influential role in Bulbul’s appointment as Bangladesh Cricket Board president. During his tenure, he faced criticism over controversial positions, including attempts to strengthen cricketing ties with Pakistan, create distance from India, discussions surrounding a boycott of the T20 World Cup, and stagnation in domestic cricket.

The report states that Mahadi Islam is currently under close monitoring by Australian security agencies amid suspicions that he may have been involved in promoting extremist ideology, divisive religious narratives, and maintaining links with radical circles.

Born in 2003, Mahadi reportedly lived in Nigeria during his father’s professional career before permanently settling in Melbourne in 2021. The report claims that he gradually became active in promoting Islamic ideology after developing an interest in religious discussions during his teenage years.

Although he initially participated in local junior-level cricket, Mahadi reportedly did not pursue a long-term sporting career. He later joined a high-paying job in Melbourne; however, the report alleges that he has recently been placed on temporary leave while authorities continue monitoring and investigating his activities.

Mahadi Islam reportedly completed postgraduate studies in Scriptural and Textual Studies and also undertook a course on the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible at Yale University. He is said to have developed a strong academic interest in religious scriptures, particularly the Bible and the Old Testament.

According to BD Digest, Mahadi has recently focused on highlighting what he describes as inconsistencies in various religious texts while attempting to promote the superiority of Islam. The report claims he participated in classes and discussions targeting young members of Melbourne’s Jewish and Christian communities.

The report further alleges that Mahadi regularly delivered speeches at various Islamic centres and mosques across Australia, discussing differences in religious interpretations and presenting Islamic perspectives on earlier scriptures. Through social media, he reportedly shared videos and lectures portraying Islam as the ultimate solution while criticising other religions.

These activities allegedly led to his involvement with several Melbourne-based Islamic organisations, including Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle (IPDC) and MATW Project.

Controversy intensified in April when the Islamic Practice and Dawah Circle organised an Australian speaking tour titled “A Legacy of Faith” featuring Mizanur Rahman Azhari across Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth. BD Digest claims Mahadi Islam was closely involved in organising the tour.

However, before the tour commenced, Australian authorities reportedly cancelled Azhari’s visa and forced him to leave the country. Some of his past statements were reportedly considered extremist, antisemitic and hate-driven by authorities. The report alleges that Azhari had previously faced accusations of praising Adolf Hitler and making inflammatory remarks against Jewish communities.

Following the incident, Mahadi Islam’s activities reportedly came under heightened scrutiny from Australian security agencies. The report also notes that Australian authorities are currently maintaining strict surveillance over individuals suspected of links to extremist networks, including persons allegedly connected to ISIS-linked groups and Middle East returnees.

According to the report, Mahadi Islam has significantly reduced his online religious activities since mid-March, including posting religious videos, publishing social media content and delivering speeches at Islamic centres. Previously, he had reportedly shared such content almost daily.

Meanwhile, the report claims that Aminul Islam Bulbul is deeply concerned about his son’s situation and has been privately seeking advice from close associates. A family source quoted in the report said that some of Mahadi’s statements and activities appeared “sensitive and suspicious” to local authorities, particularly his alleged involvement in bringing Azhari to Australia and his religious outreach activities.

Mahadi Islam comes under Australian security scrutiny following alleged involvement with controversial Islamic preacher Mizanur Rahman Azhari and Shaykh Ahmadullah and religious outreach activities.

Despite the allegations and ongoing scrutiny, the Australian government has not formally announced any criminal charges against Mahadi Islam at this stage. The report notes that if found innocent following the investigation, he would be able to resume normal life. However, individuals once investigated over suspected extremist links often remain under long-term monitoring.

Neither Aminul Islam Bulbul nor Mahadi Islam has yet issued any official statement regarding the matter.

Source: BD Digest