Page 10 - The Indian EYE 041125

OPINION APRIL 11, 2025 | The Indian Eye 10

Strengthening of Islamic

Radicalism in Bangladesh

The birth of the third political front under the garb of members of the students who were

responsible in the regime change, which is being portrayed as reliving the days of 1971, can turn

into a major political voice for the Jamaat, which was a regional political alliance partner both
for the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) in the past

DR. DHRUBAJYOTI BHATTACHARJEE concern was raised by the Indian gov-
ernment and the Indian media which
he ongoing political instability has been criticised by the interim
after the dismissal of the Awa- government in Bangladesh, stating
Tmi League government has that India was falsely exaggerating
intensified religious persecution and such alleged persecutions. The inter-
Islamic radicalism. The paper will try im government of Bangladesh also
to provide recent statements made by accused the Indian media of propa-
international actors, its reactions, the gating a false narrative.
reality and the future impact of such However, during her recent visit
radicalism. to India, Tulsi Gabbard, the US Di-
Since last year, India has been rector of National Intelligence, while
raising concerns about rising Islamic replying to an Indian media channel
radicalism and persecution of ethnic about the present situation in Ban-
and religious minorities in Bangla- gladesh, stated that, “The long-time
desh. The interim government in unfortunate persecution, killing, and
Dhaka had countered that no such abuse of religious minorities like Hin-
persecution was taking place. How- dus, Buddhists, Christians and others
ever, the recent statements made by has been a major area of concern for
Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of the US government and President
National Intelligence, with regard Trump and his administration.”
to rising Islamic radicalism and per- She further stated, “The threat
secution of religious minorities in of Islamist terrorists and the glob-
Bangladesh, have brought back the al effort of different terror groups
issue into the open. This paper brings are rooted in the same ideology and
forth the concerns raised, the ground objective, which is to rule or govern
realities and their probable impact. with an Islamist caliphate,” add-
ing that “This affects people of any
THE CONCERN other religion, other than the one
that they find acceptable, and they
he Ministry of External Affairs choose to carry this out with terror
of India has expressed con- and very violent ways and means.”
Tcern about rising persecution Bangladesh has stated that such
and intolerance against the religious concerns raised by Gabbard are fac-
minorities in Bangladesh. While re- During her recent visit to India, Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, while tually incorrect and are dangerous,
plying to a query raised in the Rajya replying to an Indian media channel about the present situation in Bangladesh, stated that, as they might trigger sectarian vio-
Sabha, the upper house of the Indian “The long-time unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities like Hindus, lence in Bangladesh.
parliament, it was stated that “India’s Buddhists, Christians and others has been a major area of concern for the US government and
concerns regarding rising radicalism THE GROUND REALITY
and the need to ensure safety and President Trump and his administration.” (Agency/File photo)
protection of Hindus and other mi- n February, a new student-led
nority communities in Bangladesh A report titled “Bangladesh Mi- pointed out that after the dismissal of political party called the Nation-
have been conveyed and reiterated norities Under Siege: A Wake-Up the Hasina government on 5 August Ial Citizen Party (NCP) or Jatiya
to the authorities of the Interim Gov- Call for the International Commu- till 9 August 2024, there were 190 re- Nagorik Party (NJP) was launched in
ernment of Bangladesh on various nity,” prepared by the Centre for ported cases of looting, 32 homes set Dhaka. This party was established by
occasions, including at the highest Democracy, Pluralism and Human on fire, 16 temples desecrated and members of the Anti-Discrimination
level.” Rights (CDPHR) in New Delhi, two incidents of sexual violence. This Continued on next page... >>

www.TheIndianEYE.com