State Fragility and Violent Extremism in Bangladesh

Mostofa, Shafi Md

doi:10.1007/978-981-19-7405-2_3

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Ershad actively participated in Jumma (Friday) prayers and introduced policies that aligned with Islamic principles, including the establishment of a Zakat fund. The Islamization of policies extended to his party's manifesto in 2001, which envisaged bringing existing laws in line with the principles of the Qur'an and the Sunnah and enforcing Sharia laws to the extent possible (JP, 2001; Mostofa, 2023b; Riaz, 2010).…”

Section: Political Instrumentalization Of Islam (1975–2023)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Faith, politics, and power: The evolution of secularism and authoritarianism in Bangladesh

Mostofa

2024

World Affairs

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This third article in the 2024 World Affairs special issue examines the intricate interplay between secularism, religious sentiment, and authoritarian politics in postindependence Bangladesh. Despite being founded on secular principles in 1971, the notion of Bangladesh as a strictly secular state is challenged. This article contends that while secularism was enshrined as a foundational state principle, its imposition occurred top‐down, diverging from prevailing societal ethos. The immediacy of the public backlash following its inclusion compelled ruling elites to adopt religion‐sensitive policies. I assert that the widespread religiosity among the populace steered subsequent political decisions. Notably, the shift from secularism to state‐sponsored Islam, the elevation of Islamic figures to cabinet roles, the recognition of Qawmi madrassa credentials, and the proliferation of Islamic rhetoric ensued. Analyzing a blend of archival data and field interviews, the article argues that the current authoritarian regime, emerging from an unconsolidated democratic framework, strategically exploits Islam as a political tool for legitimacy. By tapping into the prevailing Islamic sentiment, the regime aims to solidify its hold on power and navigate the complex political landscape of contemporary Bangladesh.

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Section: Political Instrumentalization Of Islam (1975–2023)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Faith, politics, and power: The evolution of secularism and authoritarianism in Bangladesh

Mostofa

2024

World Affairs

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“…This highlights fundamental flaws in the Bangladeshi prison system as it has produced militant leaders and foot soldiers. Thus, the emergence of a new militant organization in 2023 in Bangladesh has been partly aided by prison radicalization in Bangladesh (Mostofa, 2023a(Mostofa, , 2023b(Mostofa, , 2023c. That said, Bangladesh has been grappling with challenges posed by Muslim militants for decades, with roots dating back to the early 1980s.…”

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Prison radicalization: A persisting threat for Bangladesh

Mostofa

2024

Politics & Policy

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Prison radicalization poses a significant and evolving threat in Bangladesh's correctional facilities. This research article delves into the conditions fostering radicalization, including corruption, overcrowding, violence, and the lack of essential amenities. Drawing on extensive analysis of secondary data and expert interviews, this article argues that these conducive conditions have transformed Bangladeshi prisons into breeding grounds for radical ideologies, allowing militants to establish networks and plan attacks within and beyond prison confines. This article also points out the transformation of prisoners, even those with minimal radical tendencies, into militant leaders, along with the shift of non‐radical individuals toward extremism. Moreover, it underscores the lack of de‐radicalization programs within the current prison system as a crucial gap in countering this escalating issue. Furthermore, the research identifies societal denial, limited post‐release opportunities, and mistreatment by security forces as factors exacerbating radicalization post‐incarceration. As such, this study emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address prison radicalization.Related ArticlesAwan, Imran. 2012. “‘I Am a Muslim Not an Extremist’: How the Prevent Strategy Has Constructed a ‘Suspect’ Community.” Politics & Policy 40(6): 1158–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00397.x.Heinmiller, B. Timothy, Matthew A. Hennigar, and Sandra Kopec. 2017. “Degenerative Politics and Youth Criminal Justice Policy in Canada.” Politics & Policy 45(3): 406–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12204.Spalek, Basia. 2010. “Community Policing, Trust, and Muslim Communities in Relation to ‘New Terrorism.’” Politics & Policy 38(4): 789–815. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00258.x.

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State Fragility and Violent Extremism in Bangladesh

Cited by 2 publications

References 37 publications

Faith, politics, and power: The evolution of secularism and authoritarianism in Bangladesh

Faith, politics, and power: The evolution of secularism and authoritarianism in Bangladesh

Prison radicalization: A persisting threat for Bangladesh

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