Abstract:
The unprecedented improvement in global communications technology has eased our lifestyle in
many respects. On the contrary, this is also posing serious challenges to societies around the
world. Bangladesh is no different. Given the present government‘s commitment to ‗Digital
Bangladesh‘ more people are getting access to the internet and internet-based social platforms.
Both the international (Al-Qa‘ida, ISIS) and domestic (ABT, Hizbut-Tahrir, JMB, Huji)
extremist groups and terrorist organizations are taking advantage of this situation. They are
utilizing encrypted social media platforms to launch various activities such as, holding virtual
discussions, running campaigns, recruiting new members, building communities, spreading
radical thoughts, and so on. As a result, Bangladesh has become a case study of online
radicalization of late, which requires serious research attention. Against this backdrop, the study
primarily attempts to explore the strategies and tools of online radicalization in Bangladesh
based on the theoretical underpinning of Social Learning Theory (SLT). This qualitative study
relies on both primary and secondary data, and the data collection techniques mainly include Key
Informant Interview (KII), social media observation, and monitoring of websites. The research
additionally provides crucial policy suggestions for overcoming the existing lacuna.
Description:
This thesis submitted for the degree of M. Phil. in International Relations, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
