The Menace of Jamaat-e-Islami
For decades, Bangladesh has grappled with the pernicious threat of religious extremism, posing a grave challenge to its secular foundations and democratic principles. At the forefront of this issue is Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), a radical Islamist group with a notorious track record of propagating intolerance, inciting violence and espousing anti-democratic ideologies.
The Alarming Resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami: A Threat to Peace and Stability in Bangladesh
The recent resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), emboldened by its alliance with the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is a cause for concern for those who value peace, pluralism, and progress in Bangladesh. This coalition not only threatens the nation’s stability but also has serious implications for regional and global security.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s origins can be traced back to the 1971 Liberation War, during which its members collaborated with the Pakistani military in committing acts of genocide, rape, and violence against the Bangladeshi people. The scars of this dark chapter run deep, with estimates indicating that between 200,000 and 400,000 women suffered from rape and sexual slavery orchestrated by JeI during that period of immense suffering and oppression..
JeI’s Resurgence: Exploiting Political Climate to Undermine Progress
Despite its documented atrocities and crimes against humanity, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) has reemerged in the post-independence era, leveraging the political climate to regain influence in Bangladesh. Its resurgence was aided by Ziaur Rahman’s regime, the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who facilitated JeI’s political participation through the controversial Fifth Amendment to the Bangladeshi Constitution.
Since then, JeI has pursued its totalitarian agenda, aiming to establish an Islamic state by undermining democratic institutions and imposing a strict interpretation of Sharia law. The party’s ideology opposes secularism, pluralism, and individual liberties, advocating for a worldview incompatible with modern, progressive societies.
JeI’s Far-Reaching Influence: Fostering Extremism and Terrorism
Jamaat-e-Islami’s influence extends beyond its political sphere, encompassing a network of militant offshoots and extremist affiliates. Foremost among them is Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a terrorist organization responsible for numerous acts of violence, including the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she was the opposition leader. The group’s aim is to establish an Islamic state in Bangladesh, resorting to brutal tactics to achieve its goals and leaving a trail of bloodshed and destruction.
In addition, JeI’s student wing, the Islamic Chhatra Shibir, has actively promoted the party’s extremist agenda, fueling violence and unrest on university campuses and beyond. The Shibir’s involvement in training Rohingya extremists has further exacerbated regional tensions and contributed to destabilization in neighboring areas.
JeI’s Global Reach: A Threat to International Security
Jamaat-e-Islami’s influence extends beyond Bangladesh’s borders, historically supporting anti-American forces in Afghanistan and establishing a fund to aid such elements after the 9/11 attacks. This disregard for global counterterrorism efforts highlights JeI’s alignment with transnational extremist networks, posing a significant threat to regional and international security.
Furthermore, JeI’s extensive media network, including Bangla dailies like Naya Diganta and Daily Sangram, has played a crucial role in disseminating its radical narrative and shaping public discourse in Bangladesh. Through these platforms, the party has aimed to undermine the government’s efforts to hold war criminals accountable, particularly through the War Crimes Tribunal established by the Hasina administration.
A Resurgence of Violence Threatening Bangladesh’s Secular Fabric
The recent surge in violence orchestrated by the BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) alliance has renewed concerns about radical Islamist groups and their potential links to cross-border terror organizations in South Asia. The historical collaboration between JeI and BNP has led to the targeted persecution of religious minorities, especially the Hindu community, during their previous tenure from 2001 to 2006. This period witnessed widespread discrimination, persecution, and violence against vulnerable groups.
JeI’s resurgence, fueled by its alliance with BNP, poses a significant threat to Bangladesh’s secularism and democratic values. The party’s unapologetic embrace of extremism, along with alleged ties to transnational terror networks, calls for a strong and coordinated response from both domestic and international stakeholders.
Upholding Secularism and Countering Extremism: Bangladesh’s Imperative
The Bangladeshi government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, must remain committed to upholding secularism, pluralism, and human rights. Prioritizing comprehensive deradicalization programs and enforcing strict legal measures against hate speech, incitement to violence, and extremist ideologies are crucial steps to counter Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliates’ harmful influence.
Additionally, decisive action is needed to dismantle the financial networks and illicit funding channels that sustain these extremist groups. Cutting off their resources will limit their ability to spread radical ideologies and recruit vulnerable individuals.
The international community must acknowledge the severity of the threat posed by JeI and its extremist agenda. Global powers, especially those invested in regional stability and counterterrorism, should support Bangladesh’s efforts. This can include targeted sanctions, travel restrictions, disrupting financial networks, intelligence-sharing, and collaborative initiatives to combat the transnational reach of extremist organizations.
Addressing the Root Causes of Radicalization: A Global Imperative
The global community must also address the underlying causes of radicalization, such as poverty, lack of education, and social marginalization, which create fertile ground for extremist ideologies. Investing in development programs, educational initiatives, and promoting inclusive societies can help mitigate the appeal of radical narratives and provide alternatives for those vulnerable to extremism.
The battle against radicalism in Bangladesh is not just a domestic issue; it’s a shared challenge that transcends borders and ideologies. Failing to address the resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami and similar groups could lead to regional instability, violence, and regression.
As Bangladesh faces this critical period, the world must support its commitment to democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law. The revival of Jamaat-e-Islami’s radical agenda must be met with firm resolve to protect the gains made in the past. Only through a united effort involving domestic and international partners can radicalism be effectively countered in Bangladesh.
The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction are severe. This is a battle for Bangladesh’s future – one that must be won to ensure a prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive society for future generations.
Abstract
Although the number of terrorist incidents and casualties has declined in recent years in Bangladesh, the issue of Islamist extremism persists. This is evident in frequent outbreaks of significant political violence, a rise in religiously motivated illiberalism, and a general decline in free, liberal, and secular thinking. At the forefront of this phenomenon is Hefazat-e-Islam (HeI), the most recent and largest entity in Bangladesh’s array of ultra-conservative, radicalized Islamist groups.
HeI is described using various terms, including Islamist pressure group, Islamist advocacy movement, ultraconservative Islamist group, socio-political extremist group, or Islamic social movement. Some have even called for designating it as a terrorist group. While each term highlights different aspects of HeI, none fully captures its challenge to the secular and democratic foundations of the state and its contribution to the threat of violent Islamism in Bangladesh.
Over the past 12 years, Bangladesh has experienced violent mass protests and vandalism instigated by Hefazat-e-Islam (HeI) supporters. In response, the government has taken decisive actions to protect the state, citizens, and maintain law and order. While many senior HeI members have been arrested for their roles in public unrest and the organization has faced leadership crises, some analysts believe that HeI is now less of a threat. However, such assessments may overlook ground realities and fail to grasp the Islamist challenge in Bangladesh and the role of HeI.
Critical questions arise about who is guiding HeI, its connections with other Islamist groups and political parties like Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and its relationship with the government. Further investigation is needed into HeI’s involvement in attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities, as well as its impact on democracy, particularly free, liberal, and secular values. The consideration of whether HeI should be labeled as anti-state and a terrorist entity is crucial for understanding the dynamics of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh.
Reference
- https://www.bangladeshlivenews.com/en/bangladesh/details/radicalism-s-insidious-resurgence-and-revival-of-jamaat-e-islami-in-bangladesh
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366511440_Islamist_challenge_in_Bangladesh
- https://dkiapcss.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/PagesfromReligiousRadicalismandSecurityinSouthAsiach17.pdf
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/5/15/bangladesh-extremism-and-shrinking-space-for-dissent