On January 9, a shocking attack disrupted the filming of Ityadi, Bangladesh’s most popular TV magazine program, in the northern district of Thakurgaon. The attack was reportedly carried out by members of Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Shibir, highlighting the growing influence of Islamist extremism in the country under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
The Rise of Extremism Under Interim Governance
Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5, Dr. Yunus’s interim administration has faced criticism for failing to curb the resurgence of Islamist militancy. Many internationally wanted militants, previously incarcerated, have reportedly been released without trial. These individuals, often affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami—a group accused of crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War—are now reorganizing and engaging in acts of sabotage across the country.
Their primary targets include platforms promoting free expression and cultural development. With dwindling film and theater productions, the entertainment industry is experiencing a sharp decline, leaving artists and technicians unemployed. Numerous concerts have been canceled following attacks, and fear now grips cultural spaces.
Attack on Ityadi
The attack on Ityadi occurred during a filming session at the historic Raja Tonkonath Palace in the Ranisankail subdistrict of Thakurgaon. The extremist group stormed the venue around 7 PM local time, forcing director and host Hanif Sanket to halt the program. Sanket, visibly disheartened, addressed the attackers, saying, “I tried to reason with you for the sake of a beautiful event, but it seems impossible to proceed.”
Eyewitnesses reported a festive atmosphere before the attack, which quickly descended into chaos. Viral social media videos show the group vandalizing chairs and disrupting the event. While police downplayed the incident, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Arshadul Haque remarked, “There was no major violence, just a few unruly individuals causing some disruptions. The event was ended earlier than scheduled, and no injuries were reported.”
Cultural Icon Under Threat
For decades, Ityadi has been a staple of Bangladesh Television (BTV) and is regarded as a cultural icon. Its host, Hanif Sanket, is one of the most respected cultural figures in the country. The attack has left fans and cultural enthusiasts in shock, raising concerns about the future of cultural freedom in Bangladesh.
However, critics have pointed fingers at Sanket, accusing him of supporting the fall of the Awami League, a government known for promoting cultural liberalism. They argue that Sanket and others who celebrated the regime change are now reaping the consequences of emboldening extremist groups.
A Growing Pattern of Attacks
The Ityadi attack follows another incident on January 8 in Mymensingh, where extremists targeted a Sufi music event at a 200-year-old shrine. Several individuals were injured, and parts of the shrine were destroyed. The event, held at the Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Kalu Shah (RA) shrine during its annual urs, was abruptly halted by violent extremists.
Media Silence and Government Inaction
Despite video evidence of Jamaat-Shibir’s involvement, most mainstream media outlets have refrained from reporting on the attacks, often labeling the perpetrators as “miscreants.” Critics argue that the interim government has done little to address the growing threat of extremism, allowing groups like Jamaat-e-Islami to operate with impunity.
Public Outrage
The attack on Ityadi has sparked widespread outrage across social media. Fans and cultural activists demand justice and greater protection for cultural events. However, with no decisive action from the government, concerns are mounting over the unchecked rise of extremist groups.
For a glimpse of the incident, watch the video here:
The escalating wave of attacks poses a significant threat to Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, leaving many worried about the future of free expression and creativity in the country.