Dilly Hussain, a British-Bangladeshi journalist known for his vocal support of Islamist causes, including the global Islamic Caliphate, recently made a surprise visit to Bangladesh, raising alarm among local and international observers. Hussain, Deputy Editor of the UK-based outlet 5Pillars, is no stranger to controversy. The UK government recently classified Hizb ut Tahrir (HT)—an organization Hussain has defended—as a terrorist group. He responded by criticizing the ban, claiming it represented an unfair targeting of British Muslims.
This unexpected visit gained even more attention after images emerged online of Hussain meeting with Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the leader of Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami party, a group with its own contentious history. Social media users, including Bangladeshi-born blogger Khomenee Ehsan, quickly voiced concerns. In a Facebook post, Ehsan questioned whether Dr. Rahman was aware of Hussain’s alleged ties to HT, warning of the potential dangers of such connections in a country where Islamist movements remain a sensitive topic.
Hussain’s career trajectory has often blurred the lines between journalism and activism. His work with 5Pillars and past affiliations with HT-affiliated events have been scrutinized, especially as intelligence reports have suggested he has long-standing links with Islamist networks in the UK. In 2015, he hosted the “Quiz a Muslim” event, where participants questioned British values, promoting anti-Western rhetoric that drew the attention of authorities. His recent commentary on Bangladesh’s political turmoil has also sparked debate, as he referred to recent changes as part of an “Islamic revolution,” celebrating Bangladesh’s potential role in a broader Caliphate movement.
This visit to Dhaka, coming at a time of heightened political sensitivity, has raised questions about Hussain’s objectives and the nature of his interactions with Bangladeshi political leaders. As Bangladesh navigates these internal shifts, the presence of a known HT sympathizer with deep media connections could further complicate local and international relations, adding a layer of tension to an already complex situation.