Is Islamic State Bengal Province in the Making? The Caliphate’s Lingering Shadow over Bangladesh
Recent jihadist propaganda materials from the so-called Al-Bengal Media, a seemingly unofficial Islamic State mouthpiece, suggest an intensified ideological push to establish a wilayat (province) in Bengal. These efforts, rooted in IS's broader ambitions to maintain its global foothold despite territorial losses in Iraq and Syria, warrant a closer examination. Is an Islamic State Bengal truly in the making, or are these just remnants of a dwindling jihadist movement struggling to stay relevant?
Poster Propaganda: A Renewed Push?
The hitherto unknown ‘Al-Bengal Media’ posters released for the first time on January 20, 2025, reflect a calculated attempt to revive the caliphate dream in Bengal (Bangladesh and Bengali-speaking region in Northeast India). Titles like “Suffering in Chains” and “In the Hands of an Angry Lion” depict a sense of victimhood, calling upon the Bengali-speaking Muslim community to act against perceived oppression. Another poster, “Roar”, glorifies the so-called golden age of the Caliphate, urging adherents to reignite past fervour.
These posters employ a religious and ideological justification, attempting to align IS actions with Islamic history and theological principles. They also portray jihad as a necessary retaliation, framing IS fighters as the only force capable of delivering justice. The victimhood narrative, which is central to most Islamist narratives, depicts Muslims as victims of state persecution, wrongful imprisonment, and systematic oppression by secular regimes, with specific references to Muslim detainees suffering in various countries. The call to action urges supporters to rise against these perceived injustices, encouraging active involvement in IS’s cause. Additionally, the localization of jihadist messaging through Bengali script and references to Bengal highlights a strategic effort to radicalize Bengali-speaking individuals and expand IS’s influence in the region.
The historical and political context further reinforces this agenda, as the post-2024 political instability in Bangladesh and the consolidation of Islamist forces create an environment ripe for jihadist recruitment. This propaganda serves as a tool to exploit local grievances and government weaknesses, fostering a sense of urgency among potential recruits. While not unprecedented in jihadist propaganda, these messages signify an emerging trend—localization of the IS ideology to fit the Bengali context. IS has long used propaganda in regional languages to recruit and radicalize, with Bengali-language materials surfacing in the past. However, the latest attempts point to an evolving strategy to consolidate ideological influence in Bangladesh, Bengali-speaking neighbouring West Bengal (India), and the broader subcontinent.
For Complete Article, read, Is Islamic State Bengal Province in the Making?, Militant Monitor, February 25, 2025.