Jasim Uddin Rahmani, the notorious leader of the banned militant group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), appeared publicly at a protest in Shahbagh on Friday, demanding a ban on the Awami League. ABT is linked to Al-Qaeda and has been involved in several high-profile killings in Bangladesh.
Rahmani, convicted for inciting the 2013 murder of blogger Rajib Haider, was released from Kashimpur High-Security Jail in late August. His presence at the demonstration sparked outrage on social media, with many criticizing the government’s silence over the release and reemergence of militant figures.
Rahmani is believed to have inspired the killings of other secular writers and bloggers, including Washikur Rahman Babu, Ananta Bijoy, and Niloy Neel. His reappearance in public life follows a wave of criticism after the release of several top militants, prompting concern from both domestic and international observers. The New York Times previously warned of a rise in Islamic extremism in Bangladesh under the current administration.
Social media users voiced alarm. Arif Mahmud wrote on Facebook, “The consequences of Rahmani’s release are clear now. Extremist groups are holding public rallies in Dhaka.” Another user, Rubel Haider, warned, “When militants join street protests, it’s a sign the country is on a dangerous path.”
Attempts to contact NCP leaders Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis for comment went unanswered.
In October last year, a YouTube sermon surfaced showing Rahmani criticizing Dhaka-based media. Footage showed him in conversation with controversial figures, including fugitive YouTubers Pinaki Bhattacharya, Ilias Hossain, and Kanak Sarwar, and dismissed military officer Hasinur Rahman, all of whom have faced various charges, including aiding militancy.
Who Is Jasim Uddin Rahmani?
Rahmani was arrested in 2013 along with 30 others during a secret meeting in Barguna. Police later seized extremist literature and militant training materials from his Dhaka residence. A former madrasa teacher and preacher, Rahmani founded the Markazul Uloom Al Islamia Madrasa in Mohammadpur, which he used to recruit and radicalize youth under the guise of religious education.
Though sentenced to five years for inciting Rajib Haider’s murder, Rahmani faces several other pending cases under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism and Cyber Security Acts. While his original sentence has been served, his release on bail in the other cases has stirred public concern.
Rahmani’s public reappearance raises fresh questions about the government’s counterterrorism strategy and the unchecked spread of extremist ideologies.
