How Jamaat’s rise is bad news for Bangladesh’s global standing and India’s regional security – Firstpost
The political upheaval in Bangladesh, driven by the sudden resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the unsettling rise of Jamaat-e-Islami, casts a dark shadow over the region’s stability. Sheikh Hasina, who has been both a champion of economic growth and a controversial figure due to her authoritarian tendencies, fled to India amid widespread protests, leaving behind a leadership vacuum that could have far-reaching consequences.
The ascendance of Jamaat-e-Islami, a party deeply rooted in Islamist ideologies, poses a significant threat to the secular fabric of Bangladesh. Known for its antagonism towards democratic values and secularism, Jamaat-e-Islami’s rise could potentially roll back decades of progress. This shift not only jeopardises the safety of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, who have already been facing increasing persecution, but also complicates India’s security landscape. The party’s historical anti-India stance and its potential to embolden insurgent groups in the region could destabilise India’s northeastern borders.
On the global stage, Bangladesh’s pivot towards radicalisation risks isolating the country. What was once seen as a burgeoning economy with growing international clout could quickly deteriorate into a disturbed state, deterring foreign investment and straining diplomatic ties. The world now watches closely as Bangladesh navigates these turbulent waters, with the hope that stability and secularism can be restored before irreversible damage is done.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s rise
The resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh marks a dangerous turn for the country’s fragile democracy and regional stability. Rooted in the Islamic movement of erstwhile East Pakistan, Jamaat-e-Islami has a history deeply entwined with radicalism and opposition to Bangladesh’s secular ideals. Since its founding in 1975, the party has consistently pushed for the establishment of a theocratic state governed by Sharia law, in stark contrast to the secular vision of Bangladesh’s founders.
During the 1971 Liberation War, Jamaat-e-Islami’s vehement opposition to Bangladesh’s independence led to its members forming paramilitary groups that committed atrocities against Bengali nationalists and the Hindu community. This dark chapter in the party’s history resulted in its initial ban by the newly independent government. However, Jamaat-e-Islami re-emerged on the political scene after the 1975 military coup, aligning with major political parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and securing ministerial positions in subsequent governments.
Despite its attempts to rebrand, the party’s radical agenda and involvement in violent activities remain a constant threat. The recent political unrest in Bangladesh, exacerbated by Jamaat-e-Islami’s influence, led to its designation as a terrorist organisation as per the country’s anti-terrorism laws under Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s rise not only jeopardises Bangladesh’s pursuit of a pluralistic society but also poses significant risks to regional stability, particularly for neighbouring India. As Bangladesh grapples with this internal threat, the world watches closely, hoping for a return to the secular ideals that once defined the nation’s identity.
Security threat
The resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh poses a grave threat to India, particularly along the sensitive Bengal-Bangladesh border. This Islamist party, known for its radical ideology and historical ties to terrorism, stands in stark opposition to India’s secular and democratic values. With the party gaining political ground, concerns are mounting that the porous border could become a gateway for radical elements to infiltrate and destabilise the region.
Recent reports indicate that gatherings of Jamaat-e-Islami elements in Bangladesh’s Sylhet region have already triggered security alerts along the Assam-Meghalaya border. This heightened activity raises the alarming possibility of increased cross-border terrorism and violence, directly impacting the security dynamics of India’s northeastern states. The region, already fraught with socio-political complexities, could become even more vulnerable to exploitation by radical elements seeking to leverage the situation in Bangladesh.
Moreover, the political ascendancy of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh is leading to significant administrative reshuffles within the country’s civil service. Such changes could weaken the influence of the secular Awami League and potentially allow Jamaat elements to gain a foothold in governance. This shift not only emboldens anti-India factions within Bangladesh but also exacerbates tensions along the already volatile border.
For India, the rise of Jamaat-e-Islami is a harbinger of potential instability. The security of the northeastern region, particularly Assam, could be severely compromised, necessitating a robust and vigilant response from Indian authorities. The situation demands close monitoring and proactive measures to safeguard India’s interests and maintain regional stability in the face of growing radicalism just across the border.
Violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority
The resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami amidst Bangladesh’s ongoing political crisis has intensified fears for the country’s Hindu minority. This Islamist group, notorious for its violent history, has long been a source of terror for Hindus in Bangladesh, and its growing influence now threatens to plunge the community into further insecurity.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s dark legacy dates back to the 1971 Liberation War, when they aligned with the Pakistani army to commit horrific atrocities against Bengalis, particularly targeting Hindus. The group’s ideological foundation in Islamic fundamentalism views Hindus as “infidels”, justifying their persecution. Over the decades, Jamaat has been linked to numerous attacks on Hindu communities, including the destruction of over 500 Hindu temples and homes since 2013, as reported by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council.
The current political turmoil in Bangladesh has emboldened Jamaat-e-Islami, allowing them to exploit the government’s weakness under the Younis-led administration. This ineffectiveness in protecting minorities is alarming, especially given Jamaat’s history of orchestrating violence against Hindus. The group’s rise amid political chaos has left the Hindu community feeling increasingly vulnerable, with little faith in the government’s ability to safeguard their rights and security.
History has shown that Jamaat-e-Islami will stop at nothing to advance its radical agenda, often resorting to brutal violence against Hindus to achieve its goals. The international community must recognise the gravity of this threat and pressure the Bangladesh government to take immediate, concrete actions to protect its Hindu minority. Accountability for Jamaat’s historical and ongoing atrocities is essential if Hindus in Bangladesh are ever to feel safe and secure. The world cannot afford to ignore this escalating crisis any longer.
A threat to Bangladesh’s global standing
The rise of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh poses a significant threat to the country’s global reputation and diplomatic relations. As a fundamentalist Islamic party with a history of violence and extremism, Jamaat’s growing influence will likely corner Bangladesh in world politics.
According to a report by the International Crisis Group, Jamaat’s ideology is rooted in Islamic fundamentalism, which is at odds with the country’s founding principles of secularism and democracy. As Jamaat gains more power, Bangladesh may become increasingly isolated from the international community, which values these principles.
Furthermore, Jamaat’s ties with terrorist organisations such as the Taliban and Al-Qaeda will raise concerns among Western nations, potentially leading to sanctions and diplomatic fallout. Bangladesh’s economy, heavily reliant on international trade and aid, will suffer as a result.
Moreover, Jamaat’s human rights record, particularly against Hindus and other minorities, will attract international condemnation, further damaging Bangladesh’s reputation. The country’s relations with neighbouring India, already strained, may deteriorate further due to Jamaat’s anti-Indian stance.
In conclusion, the rise of Jamaat-e-Islami will corner Bangladesh in world politics, threatening its global reputation, diplomatic relations, and economic well-being. The international community must take notice of this growing threat and encourage Bangladesh to uphold its founding principles of secularism and democracy.
The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (autonomous), Kolkata. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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