Jamaat-e-Islami

Collected

Radicalism's insidious resurgence and revival of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh

The recent resurgence of JeI, emboldened by its unholy alliance with the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), should sound a deafening alarm for all those who value peace, pluralism, and progress in Bangladesh. This ominous union not only poses an existential threat to the nation's hard-won stability but also carries grave implications for regional and global security.

Jamaat-e-Islami's roots can be traced back to the tumultuous days of the 1971 Liberation War, when its members actively collaborated with the Pakistani military in perpetrating horrific acts of genocide, rape, and violence against the Bangladeshi people. The scars of this dark chapter run deep, with estimates suggesting that between 200,000 and 400,000 women fell victim to the systematic campaign of rape and sex slavery orchestrated by JeI during this period of immense suffering and oppression.

Despite its well-documented atrocities and crimes against humanity, JeI managed to resurrect itself in the post-independence era, exploiting the prevailing political climate to regain a foothold in the country's affairs. The party's revival was facilitated by the regime of Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP, who paved the way for JeI's political participation through the controversial Fifth Amendment to the Bangladeshi Constitution.

Since then, JeI has relentlessly pursued its totalitarian agenda, seeking to establish an Islamic state by abolishing democratic institutions and imposing a rigid interpretation of Sharia law. The party's twisted ideology rejects the principles of secularism, pluralism, and individual liberties, instead advocating for a medieval worldview that is fundamentally incompatible with the values of modern, progressive societies.

JeI's tentacles extend far beyond its political apparatus, branching into a network of militant offshoots and extremist affiliates. Chief among them is Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a terrorist organization responsible for numerous acts of violence and terror, including the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she was the leader of the opposition. The group's ultimate goal is the establishment of an Islamic state in Bangladesh, and it has not shied away from employing brutal tactics to achieve its objectives, leaving a trail of bloodshed and destruction in its wake.

Moreover, JeI's student wing, the Islamic Chhatra Shibir, has been a driving force behind the party's extremist agenda, instigating violence and unrest on university campuses and beyond. The Shibir has also been implicated in training Rohingya extremists, further exacerbating the already volatile situation in the region and contributing to the destabilization of neighboring areas.

Alarmingly, JeI's influence extends beyond Bangladesh's borders, with the party historically backing anti-American forces in Afghanistan and even creating a dedicated fund to support such elements in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.  This blatant disregard for global counterterrorism efforts underscores JeI's ideological alignment with transnational extremist networks, posing a clear and present danger to regional and international security.

Furthermore, JeI's extensive media network, comprising two prominent Bangla dailies – Naya Diganta and Daily Sangram – has been instrumental in disseminating its radical narrative and shaping public discourse in Bangladesh.  Through these platforms, the party has sought to undermine the credibility of the government's efforts to bring war criminals to justice, particularly in the context of the War Crimes Tribunal established by the Hasina administration to hold perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions during the Liberation War.

The recent surge in violence orchestrated by the BNP-JeI alliance has reignited fears regarding the role of radical Islamist groups and their potential links to cross-border terror outfits in South Asia. The unholy nexus between JeI and BNP has historically resulted in systematic targeting of religious minorities, particularly the Hindu community, during their previous tenure in power from 2001 to 2006, a period marred by widespread discrimination, persecution, and acts of violence against vulnerable groups.

It is evident that JeI's resurgence, emboldened by its partnership with the BNP, poses an existential threat to Bangladesh's secular fabric and democratic ideals. The party's unapologetic embrace of extremism, coupled with its alleged connections to transnational terror networks, demands a robust and coordinated response from both domestic and international stakeholders.

The Bangladeshi government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, must remain steadfast in its commitment to upholding the principles of secularism, pluralism, and human rights. Comprehensive deradicalization programs, coupled with stringent legal measures against hate speech, incitement to violence, and the propagation of extremist ideologies, should be prioritized to counter the pernicious influence of JeI and its affiliates.

Additionally, the government must take decisive action to dismantle the financial networks and illicit funding channels that sustain these extremist groups, cutting off their lifelines and limiting their ability to spread their poisonous rhetoric and recruit vulnerable individuals into their ranks. Furthermore, the international community must recognize the severity of the threat posed by JeI and its extremist agenda. Global powers, particularly those with vested interests in regional stability and counterterrorism efforts, should lend their support to Bangladesh's efforts to curb the resurgence of radicalism. Targeted sanctions, travel restrictions, and the disruption of financial networks that sustain these extremist groups should be on the agenda, accompanied by robust intelligence-sharing and collaborative efforts to combat the transnational reach of such organizations.

Moreover, the global community must address the root causes of radicalization, including poverty, lack of education, and social marginalization, which create fertile ground for extremist ideologies to take hold. By investing in development programs, educational initiatives, and promoting inclusive societies, the international community can help mitigate the appeal of radical narratives and provide viable alternatives for those at risk of being lured into the clutches of extremism. The battle against radicalism in Bangladesh is not merely a domestic concern; it is a shared struggle that transcends borders and ideologies. Failure to address the alarming revival of Jamaat-e-Islami and its ilk could have far-reaching consequences, potentially plunging the region into a vortex of instability, violence, and regression.

As Bangladesh navigates this critical juncture, the world must stand in solidarity with the nation's commitment to democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law. The resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami and its radical agenda must be confronted with unwavering resolve, lest the hard-won gains of decades past be eroded by the forces of intolerance and extremism. Only through a concerted and collaborative effort, involving both domestic and international stakeholders, can the scourge of radicalism be effectively combated in Bangladesh. The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction are too grave to ignore. It is a battle for the very soul of Bangladesh – a battle that must be won to safeguard the nation's future and ensure a prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive society for generations to come.