Dhaka, Bangladesh — Since the formation of the interim government in Bangladesh, the country has witnessed a concerning rise in extremist activities. Militant groups, once operating underground, are now reportedly functioning more openly and confidently, echoing the state of affairs seen during the 2001–2005 period when extremist networks were allegedly emboldened under state protection.
Experts warn that the rapid expansion of extremist ideologies in the country is facilitated by the convergence of political, economic, legal, and social conditions—three of which are now reportedly aligned in favor of these groups under the current administration.
Banned militant outfits such as Hizb ut-Tahrir, Ansar al-Islam (formerly Ansarullah Bangla Team), Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B), Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, Allah’r Dal, Imam Mahmud Kafela, and Hamza Brigade, among others, have reportedly regained ground in recent months. Analysts allege that the Yunus-led interim administration may be using these groups for political leverage.
While extremist groups are increasingly active, state anti-terror institutions are reportedly being dismantled. Officers from elite counterterrorism units like the ATU, CTTC, RAB, DGFI, and NSI have been systematically removed or sidelined through dismissal, legal persecution, or imprisonment—moves that experts view as deliberate efforts to weaken the country’s anti-terrorism framework. Simultaneously, mainstream and social media are being discouraged from reporting on militant threats.
Unprecedented Bail Releases Raise Concerns
Official data reveals that since August 5, 2024, at least 312 convicted or accused militants have been granted bail. Among them are high-profile extremists like Mufti Jasim Uddin Rahmani (Ansar al-Islam), Dr. Rafat Chowdhury (Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya), and others who are now seen publicly promoting extremist ideology. Shockingly, even Holy Artisan attackers have been released on bail without prosecution opposition. Some have reportedly fled the country.
A consolidated report from national intelligence agencies listed 279 hardcore militants for whom the state was advised to oppose bail. However, the list was ignored, and many of these individuals have since been released. According to IG Prisons, 70 militants escaped custody on August 5, with only one recaptured so far. In total, 381 militants are now free and unaccounted for, either through court-approved bail or jailbreak.
In one striking case, four militants who were granted bail post-August 5 reportedly secured Schengen visas through the French embassy and have entered Europe under false identities. They are believed to be under the protection of a known anti-government Bangladeshi activist in France. Intelligence reports warn these individuals may pose threats to secular bloggers and Awami League leaders abroad.
Judiciary’s Role and Redefined Terminology
Another alarming trend is the apparent reclassification of militant incidents. For instance, an operation conducted in September 2024 that led to the arrest of two bomb-making suspects was initially reported as a counterterrorism success. However, under pressure from top government officials, the word “terrorist” was later replaced with “saboteur” in official communications.
This shift is being interpreted as an attempt by the administration to “normalize” extremism, given the political backing many of these groups provided during the anti-Awami League protests in July and August 2024.
The Threat to Secularism and National Identity
The resurgence of extremist groups has led to a broader ideological conflict in Bangladesh. Observers note that Islamist organizations now openly challenge the country’s 1972 secular constitution, pushing instead for a Sharia-based framework via mosques, madrasas, and digital platforms. These groups are no longer fringe voices; they are increasingly shaping public discourse and influencing policy decisions under the current regime.
Moreover, there are rising attacks on secular culture—targeting women’s rights, education, art, and minority communities, as well as curbing cultural activities and suppressing freedom of expression. These developments are seen as part of a larger campaign to replace Bangladesh’s pluralistic and inclusive heritage with a radical, exclusionary vision.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s interim administration is under growing scrutiny, with experts and civil society members expressing deep concern over what they describe as state-sanctioned leniency—or even support—toward extremist elements. The consequences, they warn, could be long-lasting and destabilizing, both for Bangladesh and the broader region.