The world’s third largest Muslim majority nation, Bangladesh has always had an Islamic radicalism problem. Under the secular Awami League (AL) government, Islamist militancy and terrorism, a major socio political issue of Bangladesh, largely remained controlled and in the fringes. But not anymore. The Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT), an international, pan-Islamist political organization that seeks to establish a global Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law, is making a resurgence in Bangladesh.
Amid the ongoing political turmoil and instability, HuT’s influence has been rapidly increasing. Since the installation of the caretaker government under Mohammad Yunus, HuT has been exposing its ideology more openly, and organizing rallies including a recent rally in Dhaka where they called for the establishment of a caliphate based on Sharia law. This resurgence has raised concerns about the potential impact on national security and the broader implications for the region. The group’s links to extremism and terrorism have only heightened concerns about their intentions and influence, on national security, religious extremism, and political stability.
Banned in several countries including the United Kingdom, India, China, Russia, Germany, Turkey, Central Asia, Indonesia, and various Arab nations due to its extremist ideologies and links to terrorism, the HuT nevertheless continues to operate in some countries where it continues to promote its cause. Some arrests have been made in India too. Although it has been banned in Bangladesh for over 15 years now since October 2009, HuT has made a dramatic comeback in the country in the few months since the fall of the Awami League government, on August 5, 2024.
Reports indicated that in the aftermath of the political upheaval which saw the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several members of banned Islamic militant groups, which included members of the Hizb-ut-Tahrir, were released from various prisons in Bangladesh on the orders of Mahfuz Alam, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser. Additionally, over 100 militants from HuT, including some notorious figures, have been appointed as constables in the Dhaka Police.
HuT is now aggressively pushing for its revival with the support of its recently released leaders from jail. Claiming its participation in the anti-quota movement to ‘overthrow’ the democratic government, HuT has formally appealed (September 09, 2024) to the Ministry of Home Affairs to withdraw the ban imposed by the AL government in 2009. HuT leaders even accused the AL government for banning the outfit without serving any prior notice. Subsequently in October, HuT members held a meeting with Hefazat-e-Islam (HeI). During this meeting, HeI agreed to lobby in favor of HuT and appeal to the Interim Government to lift the ban imposed on it. Additionally, HeI agreed to assist HuT in recruiting new members.
Within days of the departure of Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh, supporters of HuT organised a rally at Baitul Mukarram North Gate in Dhaka on August 9, and demanded the establishment of the Khalifah in Bangladesh based on Sharia law which they claim would ensure “true justice and welfare” of all the citizens in Bangladesh. They also called to oust foreign companies and annul the strategic agreements with non-Muslim states.
Many of these individuals have been assigned to the security of top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and Islamic Chhatra Shibir (ICS). This development has raised significant concerns about the potential implications for national security and the influence of militant groups within the government and law enforcement agencies.
Bangladeshi media has reported that HuT supporters are taking out marches in cities, including in the capital city of Dhaka and posters propagating its ideology are visible everywhere. This move has sparked significant controversy and concern both domestically and internationally, given HuT’s radical ideologies and its history of being banned in several countries.
A technologically advanced extremist group, the second and third waves of radicalization in Bangladesh starting in the 2000s, in which youth educated in technical and vocational training colleges, and born and raised in urban areas were being recruited by Islamist organisations, is linked to the Bangladesh chapter of Hizb-ut-Tahrir in 2011. It was founded by Dr. Nasimul Gani and Shahnewaj and Dhaka University professor Golam Mowla. Mohiuddin Ahmed, also known as ‘Royal,’ is the chief coordinator and spokesman for HuT in Bangladesh. He was an associate professor at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of Dhaka University. HuT’s members included middle class urban-based and technically skilled university students. After its ban by the AL led government, it stayed in the shadows, only to re-emerge now, as Bangladesh undergoes socio-political instability.
Evidence indicates that HuT is involved in radicalisation and motivation of gullible youth to join terrorist organisations, such as ISIS, and raising funds for terror activities. It promotes terrorism through social media platforms, secure apps and by conducting Dawah meetings.
For instance, HuT has been active in providing social and charity programs, especially in the wake of recent floods in Bangladesh. These efforts have brought them into the spotlight, showcasing a different aspect of their operations beyond their ideological stance. In an interview with BBC Bangla on September 13, HuT’s media coordinator, Imtiaz Salim, emphasized that HuT is an ideology-based Islamic political organization and not a militant or terrorist group. This statement is part of HuT’s attempt to present itself in a more positive light and distance itself from any associations with violence or terrorism. It’s a complex situation, as these social programs can be seen as a way to gain public support and legitimacy, while their ideological goals remain unchanged.
In terms of transnational Islamic charity organizations preaching and brainwashing distorted Islamic teachings in their funded madrassas and social organizations, expounding radical Islamist ideology and for expanding international Islamist militant networks in Bangladesh, HuT ranks foremost.
Hizb ut-Tahrir has been quite vocal in its opposition to India and other foreign influences in Bangladesh. On August 23, 2024 HuT accused India of launching an unprecedented water invasion to exert political pressure on Bangladesh, declaring that India should be considered an enemy state. This rhetoric is part of a broader campaign by HuT to challenge foreign influence and promote its radical agenda. It has demanded the cancellation of all strategic and military agreements and treaties with India. It opposes the influence and interference of countries like the USA, UK, and India, as well as international organizations like the IMF and World Bank, in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and economy.
Hizb ut-Tahrir has also formed a WhatsApp group called “Prabaashi Muslim Network” to bring together UK-based HuT members of Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani origin. The group’s goal is to establish a pro-Islamic government in Bangladesh. And its key Bangladeshi figures include Zituzzaman Hoque, and Md. Moshrof Hossain, director of Brit Builders Ltd. in London. This network aims to consolidate support among the diaspora community to further HuT’s political objectives in Bangladesh.
HuT has been vitriolic in its opposition to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They have accused her of various crimes and have called for her trial and punishment. This is part of their broader campaign against her leadership and policies. HuT’s accusations include allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and mismanagement during her tenure. They have also criticized her for her close ties with India and other foreign countries, which they claim have negatively impacted Bangladesh’s sovereignty and economy.
HuT’s campaign is part of their larger goal to establish an Islamic caliphate in Bangladesh. On November 19, 2024, Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) formed its student wing, Swadhin Bangladesh Chattra Sangsad (SBCS), at Dhaka University. The organization aims to unite students to support the establishment of Khilafat in Bangladesh. Jamaluddin Mohammad Khalid has been appointed as the convener of SBCS. The formation of SBCS is part of HuT’s broader strategy to garner support among the youth and promote its ideology on campuses
Then November 29, 2024 HuT organized an online International Khilafah Conference which highlighted its efforts to promote its vision for an Islamic caliphate and to share its ideology with a global audience. The conference covered themes like “New Bangladesh: A Blueprint for a Leading State,” “Why Post-Revolution Reforms Failed in One Country After Another,” “The Failure of Democracy and Capitalism in the West, ” and “Roadmap for Immediate Implementation of Comprehensive Change in the State.” The event was attended by HuT leaders and cadres from various countries, including Lebanon and Australia.
The caretaker government of Mohammad Yunus has appointed Nasimul Gani, the founding member of the Hizb-ut-Tahrir, as the new Home Secretary. Gani’s had a long career in the Bangladesh Administrative Service, but his ties to HuT have raised questions about his influence within the government and law enforcement agencies. This appointment follows a series of actions by the Yunus administration that reflect an Islamist tilt, raising alarms about the potential implications for national security and the influence of militant groups within the government. Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, a political commentator from Dhaka, says “The Hizb ut-Tahrir is an organisation that is well established and consists of educated people. Their influx is across all segments of society in Bangladesh at present.”
According to a source from Dhaka, HuT appears to have supporters within the army. They oppose democracy and gender rights, which raises significant concerns for women. The Yunus government’s failure to address issues such as instability and poor governance, has been a significant factor contributing to the resurgence of radical militant Islam in Bangladesh.
In this changed political climate, religious organizations have expanded their influence, emphasizing the state’s shortcomings and promoting extremist ideologies. A growing collaboration between HuT, HeI, and other radical groups has raised concerns about the potential influence of militant groups within Bangladesh and the implications for national security.
Overall HuT’s actions and statements reflect its broader goal of establishing an Islamic caliphate and rejecting any foreign influence that it perceives as detrimental to its vision for Bangladesh. (European Times)