April 3, 2025 9:11 pm
Full News

Hudson Institute Report Warns of Hizb ut-Tahrir’s Growing Influence in Bangladesh

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.

Sahadat Russell, Associate Editor, The Voice.

Related News
Anne Hathaway to Star in New Colleen Hoover Thriller “Verity”
Martinez Reveals When He Plans to Retire
Los Angeles is burning in a devastating wildfire; at least 1,200 acres affected
China and U.S. Trade Chiefs Discuss Tariffs Amid Escalating Tensions
What is Rahul’s Role in the Congress Party? Shashi Tharoor Questions
Russia’s Security Council Chief Arrives in Kabul for Talks with Taliban
Related Posts
Elon Musk to Step Down from Government Role
Elon Musk’s Cost-Cutting Team Sends Error-Ridden Termination Notices to USAID Staff
Finland’s President Urges France or Britain to Engage with Russia on Ukraine
Controversial Waqf Bill Passed in India’s Lok Sabha
Israeli Forces Used Palestinians as ‘Human Shields’
World Leaders React to Trump’s Tariff Imposition
More News

Denzel Washington Says He’s Not a ‘Hollywood Actor’

Denzel Washington, currently starring in the Broadway revival of Othello, doesn’t consider himself a “Hollywood actor.” In a recent interview with CBS News’ Sunday Morning, the 70-year-old actor reflected on his career, explaining that he sees himself more as a stage actor who works in film. “I’m from Mt. Vernon, so I’m a ‘Mt. Vernon […]

New Trailer for Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon Released

The first trailer for the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon has been released. The movie is based on Cressida Cowell’s book. It follows a young Viking named Hiccup, who is sent on a mission to kill a dragon and prove he is a man. But instead of killing the dragon, Hiccup finds […]

Donald Trump Appoints Kashyap Patel as FBI Director

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kashyap Patel, an Indian-American lawyer and former government official, as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel, 44, has been a vocal advocate for dismantling what he describes as the “deep state” within the U.S. government. In a post on Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform, […]

Tom Cruise’s New Movie Halted After John Goodman Injured on Set

Filming for Tom Cruise’s upcoming movie has been temporarily paused after actor John Goodman sustained a hip injury on set. The incident occurred while shooting at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England, forcing the production to stop for a brief period. Warner Bros. Pictures released a statement confirming that Goodman received immediate medical attention and is […]

Cyclone Dana Strikes Eastern India, Forcing Mass Evacuations and Triggering Severe Weather Warnings

Cyclone Dana struck eastern India’s Odisha coast on Friday, bringing heavy rain and winds reaching up to 110 kilometers per hour (70 mph) as it made landfall near the town of Chandbali. The storm, classified as the equivalent of a tropical storm, was located about 250 kilometers southwest of Kolkata, moving slowly north-northwest at 12 […]

Royal Society Faces Criticism Over Decision to Retain Elon Musk’s Fellowship

The Royal Society, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious scientific academies, has come under fire for its decision not to take disciplinary action against Elon Musk, despite mounting concerns from the scientific community. Musk, who was elected as a fellow in 2018 for his technological achievements, has faced allegations of breaching the Society’s […]

Trump calls Mike Waltz as his national security adviser

CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins reports that President-elect Donald Trump has requested Representative Mike Waltz of Florida to serve as his national security adviser.In the post, Waltz would have to handle various geopolitical crises that Trump’s government will face during his second term, including the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas confrontations.The congressman recently visited Palm Beach, home to […]

Two Saudi Companies Strike Deal with Aim to Lead Global Cinema

Saudi Arabia’s Neom Media Hub and Hakawati Entertainment have signed a deal aimed at strengthening their leadership in the global film industry. Through this collaboration, they plan to produce a total of nine films. Additionally, the partnership will create a new production service to assist in filmmaking, which will be supported by major Hollywood directors […]

Director’s Award Revoked Over Actress Harassment Allegations

The “Voice of Solidarity” award given to American filmmaker and actor Justin Baldoni has been revoked following legal action taken by actress Blake Lively over sexual harassment allegations. This decision was made by Vital Voices, an international NGO focused on empowering women. The award is typically given to men who contribute to the development and […]

Taiwan Reports Chinese Balloon Near Its Northern Waters Ahead of Presidential Election

TAIPEI — Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported on Nov 25 the detection of a Chinese balloon over the sea north of the island, marking the first such sighting since April. The incident comes as Taiwan braces for its January presidential election, which has seen what Taipei describes as “unprecedented” Chinese balloon activity as part of Beijing’s […]