Resurgence of extremism in Bangladesh raises fears

As Bangladesh grapples with the resurgence of radical Islamic influences, the nation’s secular fabric faces a critical test. The potential return of the controversial Islamic television channel, Peace TV Bangla, has sparked widespread concern. Indian Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik, currently in exile in Malaysia, recently announced that efforts are underway to resume the channel’s broadcast in Bangladesh, reigniting fears of extremism in a country celebrated for its secular traditions.

Peace TV Bangla was previously banned in Bangladesh following the July 2016 attack on the Holy Artisan Bakery in Dhaka, an event that shook the nation. Allegations that one of the attackers had been influenced by Dr Naik’s teachings led to the channel’s suspension. Despite these concerns, Dr Naik has stated that Peace TV continues to broadcast in multiple languages globally and is hopeful about its return to Bangladeshi airwaves, pending approval from the interim government.

This development occurs as Bangladesh’s political landscape undergoes significant shifts. Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, an Islamist political party with a controversial past, is experiencing leadership changes that may influence its future direction. Jamaat-e-Islami, founded in 1941, has long advocated for an Islamic state, with critics arguing that it often aligns with radical elements within society. The party’s historical influence, particularly during its time in a coalition government, allowed it to expand its reach through education, youth indoctrination and alleged connections with extremist groups.

The return of Peace TV Bangla and the ongoing influence of Jamaat-e-Islami highlight broader concerns about radical Islamic groups in Bangladesh. Organizations like Harkat-ul-Jihad (HUJI-B), Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), and Hizb-ut-Tahrir have been instrumental in spreading extremism, both through violent attacks and subtle indoctrination efforts. These groups have left a lasting impact on the nation’s struggle against radicalization, infiltrating educational institutions, social media, and even government ranks.

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The rise of radical Islam has had profound implications for Bangladesh’s religious minorities, particularly the Hindu community, which has seen a significant population decline. Incidents of violence against religious minorities have become more frequent, fueled by misinformation spread by radical elements.

The interim government, led by Mohammad Yunus, faces a critical decision regarding Peace TV Bangla’s potential return. Balancing freedom of expression with national security is a delicate task, especially with the radical elements within the current administration. Bangladesh’s future trajectory will depend on how the government handles these challenges, including the role of local clerics and educational institutions in propagating extremist ideologies.

The coming months are crucial for Bangladesh, as the nation strives to maintain its commitment to secularism and pluralism amid rising radical Islamic influences. The decisions made now will have significant implications not only for Bangladesh but for the stability and security of the entire South Asian region.