Resurgence of Extremism in Bangladesh: Interim Government Accused of Enabling Radical Groups

Bangladesh is facing one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history. Following the formation of the Muhammad Yunus–led interim government in August 2024, extremist groups have regained public visibility, law-enforcement agencies have weakened, and minority communities have experienced heightened levels of violence.

A detailed report reveals how the political transition created a power vacuum that allowed radical organizations to re-emerge, re-organize, and expand their influence across educational institutions, religious centers, and digital platforms.

Institutional Breakdown After August 2024

The interim government initiated extensive reshuffling across security and intelligence agencies, including CTTC, NSI, and DGFI. Many senior officers known for their counterterrorism experience were:

transferred
demoted
removed from critical postings
or subjected to investigations

This created operational paralysis within counterterrorism structures.

Experts warn that the weakening of these agencies allowed dormant extremist networks to revive activities that had been suppressed for over a decade.

The Public Return of Banned Islamist Groups

One of the most alarming developments was the reappearance of banned organizations such as Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT). The group organized public demonstrations, including a highly publicized “March for Khilafat” in central Dhaka.

This was the first open show of strength by HuT since its ban in 2009.

Other Islamist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam, also increased their activities. The political normalization of Jamaat, whose ban was lifted under the interim administration, led to renewed rallies and visible reorganization across major cities.

Rising Radicalization on University Campuses

The report highlights an alarming rise in ideological recruitment in universities. Hizb-ut-Tahrir and similar organizations established new communication channels targeting students through:

study circles
distribution of pamphlets
online indoctrination
anonymous campus cells

University administrators reported an increase in extremist messaging, creating an increasingly volatile environment among youth.

Islamist Influence Inside State Institutions

The interim government is accused of appointing individuals with strong Islamist leanings into powerful administrative and advisory positions. A deputy affiliated with Hefazat-e-Islam was appointed as Adviser for Religious Affairs.

This shift in policy direction resulted in:

pressure to remove music teachers from schools
growing influence of Qawmi madrasa leadership
reduced support for secular and cultural programs
an ideological tilt toward conservative Islamist demands

Critics argue that these appointments reflect an effort to reshape the country’s ideological foundation.

Sharp Increase in Attacks on Minorities

Between August 2024 and June 2025, Bangladesh recorded:

2,442 attacks against minority communities
152 temples vandalized
59 places of worship damaged
abductions, assaults, and cases of sexual violence
targeted attacks on Indigenous and Christian communities

Human rights groups accuse the government of failing to take meaningful action. Instead, authorities often downplayed incidents as “local disputes,” creating a climate of impunity.

Suppression of Free Speech and Cultural Expression

Writers, folk singers, monks, and activists faced arrests and harassment under blasphemy-style allegations. Book fairs and cultural events promoting secular literature were disrupted by radical groups.

A notable incident involved Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who was arrested after edited videos of his performance went viral. Supporters forming a peaceful human chain were attacked by mobs. Cultural organizations condemned the rising intolerance, warning that Bangladesh’s vibrant folk traditions are under threat.