Bangladesh: The Next Afghanistan

"Bangladesh: The Next Afghanistan?" by Hiranmay Karlekar is a comprehensive analysis of the rise of Islamist fundamentalism in Bangladesh, a nation traditionally known for its cultural plurality and religious tolerance. Published in 2005, the book delves into the historical, social, cultural, and political factors contributing to this shift, raising concerns about the country's future trajectory.

Historical Context and Emergence of Islamist Forces

Karlekar traces the roots of Islamist fundamentalism in Bangladesh to the period following its independence in 1971. Initially, the nation's identity was anchored in Bengali nationalism, emphasizing secularism and cultural unity. However, over time, Islamist forces, once marginalized, began to gain prominence in national politics. This shift was marked by the increasing influence of parties like Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and Islamic Oikya Jote (IOJ), which sought to redefine the nation's identity along religious lines.

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Factors Contributing to the Rise of Fundamentalism

Several factors have facilitated the rise of Islamist fundamentalism in Bangladesh:

1. Political Alliances and Power Dynamics: Mainstream political parties, in their quest for power, formed alliances with Islamist groups, inadvertently legitimizing and empowering them. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) collaboration with JeI and IOJ is a notable example.
2. Educational Institutions and Ideological Propagation: Islamist organizations have strategically infiltrated educational institutions, using platforms like the Islami Chhatra Shibir (the student wing of JeI) to disseminate their ideology among the youth.
3. Weak Governance and Law Enforcement: Karlekar describes Bangladesh as a "soft state" with ineffective governance and policing, creating a conducive environment for Islamist groups to operate with relative impunity.
4. Socio-economic Disparities: Widespread poverty and unemployment have made segments of the population susceptible to radicalization, as Islamist groups often provide financial incentives and a sense of purpose.

Manifestations of Islamist Influence

The growing influence of Islamist fundamentalism has manifested in various ways:

• Violence and Terrorism: The country has witnessed a surge in terrorist activities, including the grenade attack on an Awami League rally in Dhaka on August 21, 2004, which nearly decimated the party's top leadership.
• Suppression of Secular and Cultural Expressions: There have been systematic attempts to undermine secular political parties and suppress intellectual and cultural activities that do not align with Islamist ideologies.
• Persecution of Minorities: Religious minorities, particularly Hindus, have faced increased persecution, including forced conversions, attacks on places of worship, and discrimination.

International Implications

Karlekar warns that Bangladesh's trajectory bears similarities to Afghanistan's past, with the potential to become a hub for Islamist terrorism in South and Southeast Asia. The presence of groups like Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami Bangladesh (HUJIB), with links to global terrorist networks, underscores this threat.

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Recommendations for Counteraction

To counter the rise of Islamist fundamentalism, Karlekar suggests:

• Strengthening Secular Institutions: Reinforcing the nation's secular foundations and promoting cultural plurality.
• Political Reforms: Encouraging mainstream political parties to disengage from alliances with Islamist groups and prioritize national interest over electoral gains.
• Educational Reforms: Overhauling the education system to promote critical thinking and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
• Enhancing Governance and Law Enforcement: Improving the effectiveness of governance and law enforcement agencies to curb the activities of extremist groups.

Conclusion

"Bangladesh: The Next Afghanistan?" serves as a cautionary analysis of the challenges posed by the rise of Islamist fundamentalism in Bangladesh. Karlekar's detailed examination underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to preserve the nation's secular and democratic fabric and prevent it from descending into chaos reminiscent of Afghanistan's past.