Sahadat Russell
The Hudson Institute has released a report revealing how the global Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT) is ramping up its focus in South Asia, with Bangladesh emerging as a primary target. Known for advocating the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate, HT has increasingly used Bangladesh as a strategic location for expanding its ideology across the region.
Hudson Institute fellows Hannah Stuart and Houriya Ahmed underscore that HT’s South Asian operations are driven by an organized, long-term strategy aimed at recruiting local and diaspora communities, with particular focus on Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. The current HT branch leader in Bangladesh, Ziauzzaman Hoque, is a British-Bangladeshi who has publicly acknowledged his role within HT. Hoque’s appointment follows a history of HT’s attempts to build local influence in Bangladesh dating back to the 1990s, when UK HT members began establishing the organization’s network there.
According to the report, Pakistan has served as HT’s operational centerpiece since it launched there in 2000, despite a government ban. UK-based members are alleged to have been involved in setting up HT in Pakistan, which they viewed as a strategic location due to its nuclear capabilities. Intelligence indicates HT leaders hope to enlist Pakistan’s military in advancing its vision for an Islamic state. Despite facing numerous legal and public pushbacks, HT has successfully maintained a presence in Pakistan through public demonstrations, rallies, and clandestine recruitment efforts.
Bangladesh as a Key Target
For HT, Bangladesh is not only a target for spreading Islamist ideology but also a potential ally. Bangladesh’s significant military reserves present a valuable asset in HT’s long-term vision for a regional Islamist coalition, according to the Hudson Institute. Former HT members claim the group envisions Bangladesh’s military joining with Pakistan’s as a united force capable of countering regional powers like India.
HT’s Bangladesh strategy hinges on drawing influence from both local and foreign-based members. The party is reported to have specific committees targeting students from South Asian countries studying in the UK, including Bangladeshis, with hopes they will promote HT’s agenda upon their return.
Indian and U.S. Security Implications
The report also highlights how HT’s goals extend beyond Bangladesh and Pakistan, with an eye on India’s large Muslim population. Sources allege that HT leaders believe an established Caliphate in Pakistan could eventually influence India’s Muslim minority. This strategy, if realized, could destabilize India’s internal security by sowing divisions among the country’s communities.
U.S. analysts and policymakers are increasingly concerned about HT’s foothold in the region, particularly in Bangladesh, given the country’s proximity to key trade routes and its longstanding role as a secular ally in South Asia. Washington has continued to invest in counterterrorism initiatives in Bangladesh, yet HT’s persistence signals a need for increased vigilance and engagement from U.S. allies, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, to counter Islamist extremism in the region.
Controversial Figures and Political Implications
British journalist and 5Pillars Deputy Editor Dilly Hussain’s recent visit to Bangladesh has drawn fresh scrutiny. Hussain, known for his sympathies toward HT, has publicly defended the group and its vision of a Caliphate, recently meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Rahman’s engagement with Hussain has stirred backlash online, with Bangladeshi commentators expressing unease over the potential influence of HT-linked figures in domestic politics.
In the wake of Hussain’s visit, Hudson researchers stress the importance of monitoring diaspora networks that support HT’s agenda, specifically the social media platforms and publications that give HT a voice among South Asian communities in the West.
A Call for Strategic Countermeasures
Given HT’s ambitions in Bangladesh and the broader South Asian region, the Hudson report calls on U.S. and allied governments to enhance information-sharing and counter-extremism efforts with Bangladeshi authorities. By strengthening diplomatic and intelligence cooperation, Washington can support Bangladesh’s ongoing battle against extremist threats while promoting stability in the region.
As HT advances its regional strategy, the Hudson report underscores the critical need for Bangladesh to remain vigilant against foreign and domestic actors seeking to exploit the country’s political landscape. Enhanced U.S. engagement, coupled with regional collaboration, could be key to countering HT’s influence and ensuring that Bangladesh remains a stable partner in South Asia.