Bangladesh: A Growing Threat of Islamic Extremism?

Concerns are mounting in Bangladesh as reports suggest a growing influence of Islamist extremism within the interim government and administration. While the government claims to be neutral, critics accuse it of inaction and even complicity. The release of several previously imprisoned hardline Islamists, including Ansarullah Bangla’s chief Jasimuddin Rahmani, a former top Al-Qaeda agent, has fueled these concerns. These released individuals are reportedly actively promoting Islamic rule and gaining support for their cause, with the interim government seemingly turning a blind eye. Adding to these concerns is the lifting of bans on groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, both accused of ties to terrorism. These groups are now openly advocating for Islamic law, with Jamaat-e-Islami’s leader Shafiqur Islam stating their intention to implement it through a collaborative effort with other political parties. The interim government’s silence on these developments and its apparent inaction against this growing extremism have raised alarms about the future of Bangladesh.