The United States has raised concerns over the increasing threat of extremism in Bangladesh, according to Lisa Curtis, a former senior White House official. Curtis, who served as National Security Council senior director for South and Central Asia from 2017 to 2021, emphasized the challenges posed by the resurgence of Islamist extremism in the country and the potential implications for regional and global security.
Speaking in an interview, Curtis highlighted the release of Islamist extremists from Bangladeshi prisons and recent attacks on religious minorities, including Hindus and Christians, as key areas of concern. “We’ve seen a history of terrorism in Bangladesh. The 2016 Holy Artisan Bakery attack was a very serious incident, and there have been some ISIS elements in the country,” she said.
Curtis acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in countering extremism, noting that her administration had been successful in addressing these challenges in the past. “Sheikh Hasina has done a good job of controlling the extremist problem in Bangladesh,” Curtis stated. However, she warned that the re-emergence of extremist groups could destabilize the country and have broader consequences for the region.
The former White House official urged the incoming U.S. administration to monitor the situation closely. “This is a delicate time for Bangladesh. While it may not be the top priority for the United States, the national security team needs to pay attention to developments there,” she said.
Curtis also emphasized the importance of working with India, which shares concerns about the future direction of Bangladesh due to its geographical and political proximity. “India is directly impacted by what happens in Bangladesh, and cooperation between the U.S. and India on this issue is crucial,” she added.
As extremism resurfaces as a growing concern in Bangladesh, observers stress the importance of maintaining vigilance and fostering international partnerships to prevent potential instability.