Why Yunus’ government can’t overlook jihadi groups exploiting Bangladesh’s turmoil

Bangladesh, once hailed as a model for development in South Asia, now finds itself at a critical juncture. The recent political upheaval and the shift in power dynamics have set the stage for a potentially volatile future. The resignation of Sheikh Hasina, one of the most influential political figures in the country’s history, has left a void that could be filled by forces threatening to destabilize the nation. This commentary seeks to explore the underlying causes of the current situation, the implications of the recent developments, and the challenges ahead for Bangladesh.

The Last Straw and Challenges Ahead

The immediate trigger for the current crisis was Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement on August 1, 2024, that the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), would be treated as militant groups. This decision, rooted in their alleged involvement in violent protests related to the government’s job quota system, was seen as an attempt to curb rising extremism. Hasina’s emphasis on treating these groups as militant threats was not entirely misplaced, given their past actions and conspiracies with opposition forces like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other anti-Hasina elements, both domestic and international. However, the decision was hasty and poorly executed, reflecting a dangerous complacency within the government, particularly regarding the potential vulnerabilities within the police and armed forces.

Read Full Article : Why Yunus’ government can’t overlook jihadi groups exploiting Bangladesh’s turmoil, FIRSTPOST, August 20, 2024.