Religious extremism and terrorist activities in Bangladesh: an analysis

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to document and highlight the connection between religious extremism and terrorism in Bangladesh. It examined the nature of various Islamist militant groups and the extent of their terrorist activities in Bangladesh. This study also investigated the underlying causes of militancy, the funding sources of militant groups, and the strategies and techniques used by terrorist groups. The study mainly used content analysis of secondary sources, interviews from expert and general people in convict area in old four Division Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Rajshahi. The study revealed that Islamist extremism and militant activities rose from 1999 to 2014. However, homegrown and internationally linked Islamist terrorist outfits and groups have continued to emerge in Bangladesh since 1992. The study revealed that JMB, JMJB, HUJI-B and HT are the major terrorist groups which generated thousands of members, and who have continued their activities under different names in different times. Most of the leaders and founders of these militant groups were educated in madrasha (Islamic seminary institution). These Islamist militant groups have symbiotic relationships among themselves and with foreign outfits based in Pakistan, India and Gulf countries. The study identified a number of funding sources, mostly from local areas generated through collecting zakat/sadka/fitra (donation on different religious occasions). External funding came through Islamic charitable NGOs from Gulf countries, USA, UK and other countries and through hundi (illegal money exchange) from individuals living abroad. The Islamist Militancy and terrorism has vandalized the lives of the people and endangered law and order, and national, regional and international security, and handicapped economic development. Therefore, we must eliminate the root causes of militancy and terrorism in Bangladesh. In addressing these risk factors, a comprehensive and integrated terrorism prevention strategy needs to be imparted, which is essential for a sustainable democracy and socio-economic wellbeing in Bangladesh. Therefore, political parties and civil society should work together to combat terrorism.