bangladeshis in greater number dream of a democratic state, a multi-religious, multi-cultural society, an educated, healthy and prosperous nation. But the activities of extremist organisations are stark reminders that we have a still not fully defeated formidable enemy at the gate, and only together we can defeat it

Unabated threat from terrorism

According to media reports twelve militants of al-Qaeda including its Bangladesh chief and his top advisor were arrested recently by RAB with a huge cache of explosives, arms and jihadi books. It was known from interrogation that they were planning a major attack at the end of Ramzan.
The 12 militants were held in a crackdown as raids were conducted in different parts of the capital. This proves that the threat of al-Qaeda is still very much present. They are relentless in their endeavour to establish a fundamentalist Caliphate called Gaza E Hind–which will include Bangladesh
and parts of Myanmar and India. Obviously regional co-operation is essential to foil their nefarious designs. Despite the security clampdown on Bangladeshi militant outfits and bringing their top leaders to justice over the past several years still there are al-Qaeda followers and activists in Bangladesh.
At the same time one should remember that domestic Islamist groups in Bangladesh represent an attractive recruiting field not only for Al-Qaeda, but also for the Islamic State (IS), whose efficient online propaganda campaign has attracted many gullible people across the globe. So far, according to official   sources, at least 40 Bangladeshis have joined international jihad zones, while according to some independent experts the real number can be much higher.
Bangladeshis in greater number  dream of a democratic state, a multi-religious, multi-cultural society, an educated, healthy and prosperous nation.  But the activities of extremist organisations are stark reminders that we have a still  not fully  defeated formidable  enemy at the gate, and only together we can defeat it. We as a nation need to close ranks on the minimum agenda, and on the question of fighting religious extremism there is an urgent need for a national consensus.
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is doing a commendable job in combating the extremists. However the force has many other responsibilities including fighting organised crime and the menace of narcotic drugs. RAB is spread thin. The anti terrorism unit of the police too have worked hard to fight the extremists. However there has been one glaring failure–the law enforcers have failed miserably in protecting freethinkers in Bangladesh. The numbers of people arrested have been minimal and many freethinkers are being forced to leave the country.
The rise of religious extremism cannot be denied. The secularists must unite against this vicious enemy of our national existence. We need modernity and advancement. Fundamentalism will drive the nation backwards. The principles for which Bangladesh bled when it won its independence from Pakistan must not be compromised.

bangladeshis in greater number dream of a democratic state, a multi-religious, multi-cultural society, an educated, healthy and prosperous nation. But the activities of extremist organisations are stark reminders that we have a still not fully defeated formidable enemy at the gate, and only together we can defeat it

Unabated threat from terrorism

According to media reports twelve militants of al-Qaeda including its Bangladesh chief and his top advisor were arrested recently by RAB with a huge cache of explosives, arms and jihadi books. It was known from interrogation that they were planning a major attack at the end of Ramzan. The 12 militants were held in a crackdown as raids were conducted in different parts of the capital. This proves that the threat of al-Qaeda is still very much present. They are relentless in their endeavour to establish a fundamentalist Caliphate called Gaza E Hindwhich will include Bangladesh and parts of Myanmar and India. Obviously regional co-operation is essential to foil their nefarious designs. Despite the security clampdown on Bangladeshi militant outfits and bringing their top leaders to justice over the past several years still there are al-Qaeda followers and activists in Bangladesh. At the same time one should remember that domestic Islamist groups in Bangladesh represent an attractive recruiting field not only for Al-Qaeda, but also for the Islamic State (IS), whose efficient online propaganda campaign has attracted many gullible people across the globe. So far, according to official sources, at least 40 Bangladeshis have joined international jihad zones, while according to some independent experts the real number can be much higher. Bangladeshis in greater number dream of a democratic state, a multi-religious, multi-cultural society, an educated, healthy and prosperous nation. But the activities of extremist organisations are stark reminders that we have a still not fully defeated formidable enemy at the gate, and only together we can defeat it. We as a nation need to close ranks on the minimum agenda, and on the question of fighting religious extremism there is an urgent need for a national consensus. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is doing a commendable job in combating the extremists. However the force has many other responsibilities including fighting organised crime and the menace of narcotic drugs. RAB is spread thin. The anti terrorism unit of the police too have worked hard to fight the extremists. However there has been one glaring failurethe law enforcers have failed miserably in protecting freethinkers in Bangladesh. The numbers of people arrested have been minimal and many freethinkers are being forced to leave the country. The rise of religious extremism cannot be denied. The secularists must unite against this vicious enemy of our national existence. We need modernity and advancement. Fundamentalism will drive the nation backwards. The principles for which Bangladesh bled when it won its independence from Pakistan must not be compromised.