 "From ISIS flag marches to radicalisation: Why rise of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Bangladesh alarms India")
The rise of Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) in Bangladesh is a development that has significant implications for regional security, particularly for India. The recent ban on HuT by the Indian government underscores the gravity of the threat posed by this organisation. This op-ed explores the reasons behind the rise of HuT in Bangladesh, its alarming activities, and why India is rightfully concerned.
One of the most alarming manifestations of HuT’s activities in Bangladesh was the recent ISIS flag marches in Dhaka. Students from some of the most prestigious schools in the capital were seen marching with black flags resembling those of ISIS, demanding the establishment of a caliphate. These incidents highlight the extent to which HuT has infiltrated educational institutions and radicalised young minds. The ability of HuT to mobilise students for such demonstrations is a clear indication of its growing influence and the effectiveness of its recruitment strategies.
Hizb ut-Tahrir: A Global Radical Movement
Founded in 1953 in Jerusalem, Hizb ut-Tahrir is a global Islamist organisation that seeks to unite all Muslim-majority countries under a single caliphate governed by Sharia law. Though the group claims to be non-violent, its doctrine advocates for the dismantling of secular governments, the overthrow of existing political systems, and the establishment of an Islamic state. This vision directly undermines the sovereignty of democratic nations and poses a grave threat to secular and pluralistic societies.
Over the years, HuT has established networks in various countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom, where it has been banned due to its extremist ideology. Though the organisation presents itself as a non-violent movement, its history is rife with accusations of inciting violence and radicalising young minds. In countries like Bangladesh, where socio-political conditions are fertile for the growth of Islamist movements, HuT has managed to gain a foothold, especially among the educated youth and urban middle class. This silent yet significant radicalisation is what makes the group particularly dangerous for India.
The Rise of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Bangladesh
Hizb ut-Tahrir began its operations in Bangladesh in 2000 and has since grown in influence, despite being banned in 2009. The group has strategically positioned itself as a voice of dissent, drawing support from segments of society disillusioned with the country’s political landscape. In recent years, HuT has taken bolder steps, such as organising protests, distributing anti-government leaflets, and even staging marches with ISIS flags, which raise serious concerns about the group’s connections to global jihadist movements.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWhat makes HuT’s rise in Bangladesh particularly alarming is the way it recruits and radicalises young, educated individuals. The organisation has successfully penetrated universities, where it taps into the frustrations of students who are disillusioned by unemployment, political corruption, and the lack of social mobility. HuT offers these students an alternative worldview—one in which the creation of an Islamic state is presented as a solution to the country’s problems.
This ability to attract and radicalise the educated middle class is what sets HuT apart from other Islamist groups in Bangladesh. Unlike groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, which rely more on rural, conservative bases of support, HuT appeals to a more intellectual audience, which makes it both more dangerous and more difficult to combat. The group’s ideological influence extends beyond traditional Islamist networks and into mainstream society, a trend that is now becoming a cause for concern for Indian security agencies.
The Geopolitical Implications for India
For India, the rise of HuT in Bangladesh represents a multi-dimensional threat. The most immediate concern is the potential for cross-border terrorism. Bangladesh shares a long and porous border with India, and Islamist militants have historically used this border to infiltrate India, particularly in the northeastern states. HuT’s increasing presence in Bangladesh raises the spectre of a resurgence in cross-border terrorist activities, especially if the group begins to collaborate with more violent organisations like ISIS or al-Qaeda, both of which have expressed interest in expanding their operations in South Asia.
Furthermore, the radicalisation of youth in Bangladesh could spill over into India, especially in regions with significant Muslim populations, such as West Bengal and Assam. These areas have historically been vulnerable to Islamist influence, and the rise of a radical organisation like HuT in neighbouring Bangladesh could exacerbate existing communal tensions and fuel homegrown extremism.
Another concern is HuT’s ideological alignment with ISIS. While HuT claims to reject violence, its public displays of ISIS flags and its endorsement of a global caliphate echo the extremist ideologies of ISIS. This symbolic connection is dangerous because it has the potential to inspire lone-wolf attacks or even full-scale recruitment drives within India’s borders. As India grapples with its own challenges of communalism and religious polarisation, the rise of HuT in Bangladesh adds yet another layer of complexity to the country’s internal security landscape.
India’s Ban on Hizb ut-Tahrir: A Necessary Step
India’s decision to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir comes at a critical juncture. While the group may not yet have a significant presence in India, its ideological influence is growing, particularly in states with porous borders and large Muslim populations. Banning the organisation is a preventive measure aimed at curbing the spread of radical Islamist ideologies before they take root in Indian society. However, banning HuT alone will not be enough. As seen in Bangladesh, where the group continues to operate despite being outlawed, merely declaring an organisation illegal does not stop its activities. India will need to complement the ban with robust counter-radicalisation programs, particularly in areas vulnerable to Islamist influence. This could involve working closely with local communities to identify and rehabilitate individuals who are at risk of being radicalised.
In addition, India must enhance its border security to prevent cross-border infiltration by Islamist militants. This will require greater cooperation with Bangladesh, which has its own interest in curbing the rise of groups like HuT. Joint intelligence-sharing and coordinated border patrols will be crucial in ensuring that the rise of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh does not spill over into India.
Increasing Attack Against Hindus
In recent weeks, Bangladesh has witnessed a disturbing increase in violence against its Hindu minority. Reports indicate that between October 1 and October 12, there have been nearly 35 attacks on Hindu individuals and places of worship. These attacks have included vandalism, arson, and physical assaults, with several Hindu temples and homes being targeted. The violence has been particularly pronounced during the Durga Puja festival, a significant religious event for Hindus, which has been marred by incidents of desecration and intimidation.
The recent surge in attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh underscores a disturbing collaboration between two Islamist organisations—Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) and Jamaat-e-Islami. Both groups, while differing in their political approaches and organisational structure, share a radical Islamist ideology that seeks to transform Bangladesh into an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. In pursuit of this shared objective, they have increasingly targeted vulnerable communities, with Hindu minorities bearing the brunt of their aggressive tactics. This coordinated effort between HuT and Jamaat is part of a broader strategy to weaken Bangladesh’s secular identity, undermine religious pluralism, and fuel communal tensions in the country.
The Broader Threat of Radicalisation
The rise of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Bangladesh is a sobering reminder of the complex nature of Islamist radicalisation in South Asia. While the group may claim to be non-violent, its radical ideology poses a grave threat to regional stability. For India, the growing influence of HuT in its neighbouring country is alarming, as it heightens the risk of cross-border terrorism and domestic radicalisation.
India’s decision to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir is a necessary first step in addressing this threat. However, long-term security will depend on India’s ability to counter radical ideologies, strengthen its borders, and work closely with Bangladesh to ensure that the rise of extremist groups does not destabilise the region further. As HuT continues its efforts to expand its influence in South Asia, India must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting its sovereignty and the security of its citizens.
The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (autonomous), Kolkata. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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