Introduction
Bangladesh, a country of nearly 170 million people, has long been heralded as a symbol of resilience and hope in South Asia. Born in 1971 through a bloody liberation war against Pakistan, it emerged as a secular democracy with a vision of inclusivity. Yet, in recent years, Bangladesh has faced growing internal and external challenges, including rising anti-Hindu and anti-Indian sentiments. These issues threaten to destabilize its social fabric and geopolitical relationships. With fears of Islamic radicalization mounting, Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture. Can it maintain its pluralistic identity, or is it teetering toward extremist control?
Historical Context: A Journey of Conflict and Resilience
The Birth of Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971 was a watershed moment in South Asian history. The conflict, rooted in linguistic and cultural differences, saw atrocities committed by the Pakistani military, including the targeting of Hindus, who were seen as sympathizers of the independence movement. India’s intervention played a decisive role in Bangladesh’s victory, and for a time, the country enjoyed warm relations with its Western neighbour.
The new nation adopted a secular constitution in 1972, emphasizing equality for all religious communities. At independence, Hindus comprised approximately 13.5% of the population and were considered integral to the country’s identity.
Challenges to Secularism and the Rise of Islamization
However, secularism in Bangladesh faced significant challenges from the outset. In 1975, the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding leader, marked a turning point. Military coups followed, bringing leaders who sought to Islamize the nation to legitimize their rule. Subsequent constitutional amendments removed secularism as a guiding principle, replacing it with “faith in Allah” and later declaring Islam the state religion.
This shift encouraged Islamist groups and paved the way for communal tensions. Anti-Hindu sentiment grew, often manifested through violence, displacement, and property seizures. Simultaneously, ties with India, initially strong, began to waver as nationalist narratives increasingly portrayed India as a hegemonic threat.
A History of Terrorism and Radicalization
Early Instances of Terrorism
Bangladesh’s brush with terrorism began in the 1980s and 1990s, as global jihadist movements influenced local groups. Organizations like the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B) emerged, carrying out attacks to establish an Islamic state.
The Rise of Islamic Radical Groups
The 2000s saw an alarming rise in radical Islamic terrorism. High-profile incidents included:
- 2005 Serial Bombings: The JMB orchestrated bombings across 63 districts, demonstrating its reach and coordination.
- Assassination Attempts: Secular leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, were targeted by Islamist groups.
- Holy Artisan Bakery Attack (2016): This deadly assault in Dhaka by ISIS-inspired militants shocked the nation, claiming 22 lives, including foreigners. It underscored the growing influence of global jihadist ideologies.
Radical groups exploited poverty, unemployment, and weak governance to recruit followers. Additionally, they leveraged madrasas and online platforms to spread extremist narratives. Successive governments, while combating terrorism, often fail to address the root causes, allowing radical ideologies to persist.
Anti-Hindu and Anti-Indian Sentiments
Anti-Hindu Violence
Hindus in Bangladesh, now reduced to less than 8% of the population, face systemic discrimination and periodic violence. Incidents include:
- Attacks During Religious Festivals: Hindu temples and homes are frequently targeted during Durga Puja and other celebrations.
- Land Grabs: The Vested Property Act, a remnant of colonial-era legislation, has been used to dispossess Hindus of their land.
- Post-Election Violence: Elections often see surges in anti-Hindu violence, with minorities scapegoated for political gains.
Anti-Indian Narratives
Anti-Indian rhetoric has grown significantly, fueled by:
- Nationalist Politics: Opposition parties, especially the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its ally Jamaat-e-Islami, often accuse the ruling Awami League of being pro-India, stoking public distrust of New Delhi.
- Geopolitical Disputes: Issues like the Teesta water-sharing agreement, trade imbalances, and border management have strained relations, making India an easy target for populist blame.
These sentiments have been amplified by social media and Islamist propaganda, portraying India as a cultural and economic oppressor.
The Future: Radicalization or Resilience?
The Threat of Islamic Radicalization
Bangladesh’s vulnerability to Islamic radicalization stems from several factors:
- Weak Institutions: Corruption and political interference in law enforcement and the judiciary undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
- Youth Unemployment: Millions of young Bangladeshis are unemployed, making them susceptible to extremist recruitment.
- Global Influences: Transnational jihadist movements, including ISIS and Al-Qaeda, have exploited local grievances to expand their footprint.
If radical groups gain further traction, the consequences could be severe:
- Increased attacks on minorities and secular voices.
- More excellent isolation from the international community.
- Heightened regional instability, with potential spillovers into India and Myanmar.
Geopolitical Risks
Bangladesh’s antagonistic stance toward India, its largest trading partner and strategic ally is fraught with risks:
- Economic Consequences: India is a significant market for Bangladeshi exports. Sustained hostility could jeopardize trade ties and development projects.
- Strategic Vulnerabilities: As China and Pakistan seek to counterbalance India in South Asia, Bangladesh risks becoming a pawn in more significant geopolitical rivalries.
Can Bangladesh Resist Extremism?
The Role of the Government
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League has taken steps to counter extremism, including cracking down on militant groups and promoting economic development. However, these efforts face significant challenges:
- Politicization of Religion: To counter the opposition, the Awami League has occasionally pandered to Islamist sentiments, undermining its secular credentials.
- Judicial Inaction: Many perpetrators of anti-Hindu violence go unpunished, fueling impunity.
Civil Society and Grassroots Movements
Civil society in Bangladesh remains a beacon of hope. Activists, journalists, and organizations continue to advocate for minority rights and secularism. However, they face threats from both the state and extremist groups, limiting their impact.
India’s Role
India’s approach to Bangladesh must balance firmness and diplomacy:
- Strengthening Economic Ties: Deepening trade and investment can create mutual dependencies that reduce hostility.
- Addressing Grievances: Resolving long-standing issues like water-sharing could improve goodwill.
- Coordinated Security Efforts: Joint counter-terrorism initiatives can tackle cross-border radicalization.
Conclusion: A Crossroads for Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s future hangs in the balance. While it has made remarkable strides in economic growth and poverty reduction, the spectre of religious intolerance and radicalization threatens to undo decades of progress. Anti-Hindu and anti-Indian sentiments, if left unchecked, could isolate the country from its neighbours and the global community.
Bangladesh must reaffirm its secular foundations and strengthen its institutions to chart a path forward. This requires political will, robust civil society engagement, and constructive international partnerships, particularly with India. The question remains: will Bangladesh embrace its pluralistic heritage or succumb to the forces of division and extremism? The answer will determine not only its destiny but the stability of South Asia as a whole.
