Is Bangladesh in danger of an Islamist takeover?

[LeonBlack08]

Yes! Secular party adds prayer to the constitution?!!

And don’t blame BAL for not reversing it! Religion is like opium - very hard to wean people off it!!

I already explained this very issue to you in a different thread. I am not interested in having a circular no value argument with you.

 

[Fallstuff]

 

[Fallstuff]

 

[Fallstuff]

 

[MNZGamerX]

Islamist Parties Gaining Ground in Bangladesh Amid Post-Hasina Political Vacuum​

However, the Jamaat-e-Islami will have to overcome the stain of collaboration with Pakistan during the liberation war.

By Saqlain Rizve
September 16, 2024



With the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year autocratic regime, Bangladesh’s political landscape is shifting into a new dimension. As the once-dominant Awami League (AL), led by Hasina herself, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) struggle to maintain their grip, a political vacuum has set the stage for a realignment. Amid the weakening of traditional parties, the weakness of leftist factions and people’s frustration with the AL-BNP power cycle, Islamist groups are seizing the moment to step into the spotlight.

For example, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), which had operated at a minimal level during the Hasina regime, especially in public university campuses through their student wing Bangladesh, Islami Chhatrashibir, and by promoting Islamic preachers around the country, is now reasserting its presence. Now JI is expanding its influence from urban centers to rural areas and among conservative sections of the population.

Bangladesh’s political landscape is characterized by a wide array of parties, including 44 active political parties. Among these are 13 Islamic parties, which are becoming increasingly prominent. Key players in this movement include JI, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis. Hefazat-e-Islam, though not a political party, wields significant influence through its large support base and vocal leader, Mamunul Haque. The group gained popularity during the 2013 protests at the capital’s Shapla Chattar.

While the AL committed to secularism and modernization, promoting economic development and a secular state, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has traditionally appealed to nationalist sentiments, with a focus on social justice, which grants the party a more conservative agenda than that of the AL but less in line with the ideas of Islamists.

Islamist parties do promote a political model of governance based on Islamic doctrine and, therefore, focus on an inclusive policy toward Sharia within the political context. It is worth mentioning that around 90 percent of the population in Bangladesh practices Islam. Hindus comprise 8 percent of the population. Christians, Buddhists, and others account for the remainder.

Although the BNP is still considered the largest opposition party, it was substantially weakened during Hasina’s rule. Years of harassment and imprisonment by the AL government along with internal strife took a heavy toll on the party. The recent release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the potential return of her son Tarique Rahman could give the party some momentum. Yet it may not regain its erstwhile importance.

Moreover, the absence of a robust leftist presence has also inadvertently paved the way for radical parties to gain prominence. Historically, leftist parties like the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) played crucial roles in historical movements. However, today, these parties are numerically small and significantly divided by internal dissensions. The AL’s crackdown is also one of the main reasons for their weakness.

A look at the past indicates that the advent of Islamist parties in a popular opposition has created a comfortable environment for extremism to operate, whether intentionally or unintentionally. In fact, during the period beginning with 1991-1996 under the BNP, Islamist parties like JI gained more influence. There was a greater inclusion of religious rhetoric into mainstream politics during this period.

This influence became more entrenched when the BNP came to power again in 2001 in coalition with Islamist parties. Data shows an increase in extremist activities during this period. Groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) and Hizb Ut Tahrir (HTB) carried out bombings and targeted foreign diplomats, judges, and writers, including the perpetration of a spate of bombings across the country in 2005. The most alarming aspect is that the HTB is now actively protesting in various places demanding the lifting of the ban on the outfit. The organization was banned in 2009 due to its calls for the establishment of a caliphate, which is a threat to national security and democratic values.

Apart from political activities, Islamist parties have gained significant popularity through social welfare, disaster relief, and educational support work. Their grassroots humanitarian initiatives, especially during recent floods in Cumilla, Feni, and Noakhali, have built a strong community presence and trust, expanding their support beyond mere politics.

In contrast, since August 5, numerous accusations surfaced against BNP leaders for engaging in illicit activities especially extortion and attacks on AL leaders, leading to public disillusionment. Although the BNP has suspended several implicated activists, the damage to their credibility poses a significant concern.

Despite gaining popularity among people day by day, Islamist parties are now aiming for coalition-building — a new development, as traditionally, they had differing theological bases.

Mia Golam Parwar, secretary of JI, recently told BBC Bangla, “We hope that all the Islamic parties will do the election in a coalition. A desire for unity is clearly noticeable among the parties, which we never saw in the past.”

At a rally in Dhaka on August 31, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Senior Naib-e-Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim hinted at a potential alliance between Islami Andolon Bangladesh and JI. He said that if there is consensus, the two parties could unite.

He remarked, “Today, I say to Jamaat: a golden opportunity is approaching. The election will not take place tomorrow. This is a remarkable chance to fight the election together.”

This coalition, comprising some parties that were earlier fragmented, may just prove to be a game-changer in the case of Bangladesh. If the coalition wins, many believe there will be an increase in Islamist representation and possibly a policy change in the growing inclination toward conservative and religiously aligned governance.

However, the process of coalition building will face various obstacles on different theological beliefs. For example, the bone of contention for the alliance would be differing views regarding shrines, as one group has a pro-veneration stance toward these places of worship whereas another group is against this type of veneration. Ideological differences promote vandalism activities, which make efforts toward attaining a consolidated posture difficult. Already many shrines have been vandalized in various places around the country.

Moreover, historical and political baggage, like the controversial past of JI during the Liberation War in 1971, add difficulties to forging a cohesive coalition. Many parties don’t like JI for their involvement with Pakistan during the war and its different political agenda.

Moreover, while Islamic political parties have generally performed well in street protests, they haven’t done as well at the ballot box. In the 1991 national election, JI won only 18 seats among 300 in the coalition of the BNP. In the 2001 elections, JI secured only 17 seats. Yet, this was followed by a series of setbacks. By the 2008 elections, JI could only manage to obtain two seats through its four-party alliance with the BNP.

So, the current political vacuum in Bangladesh presents both opportunities and challenges for Islamist parties and the people of the country. While their rise is facilitated by the weakening of mainstream parties and growing public discontent with the AL and the BNP alternating in power, the path ahead is fraught with obstacles, including internal theological differences and historical baggage. The success of Islamist parties in forming a cohesive coalition and gaining electoral success will significantly shape Bangladesh’s future political landscape. As the country navigates this transitional period, the balance between radicalism and moderation will be crucial in determining the stability and direction of Bangladesh’s democracy.

Islamist Parties Gaining Ground in Bangladesh Amid Post-Hasina Political Vacuum

However, the Jamaat-e-Islami will have to overcome the stain of collaboration with Pakistan during the liberation war.

thediplomat.com

 

[MNZGamerX]

Declare Bengal's independence from Modi rule, Bangladesh Islamist tells Mamata

India Today – September 13, 2024



Bangladeshi Islamic radical Jashimuddin Rahmani Hafi, who was released after Hasina's fall by the interim government, has asked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to "free Bengal from Modi's rule and declare its independence". In the viral video, Rahmani, the chief of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist outfit, also warned of "breaking up" India and "hoisting Islamist flags in Delhi".

Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), to which the ABT owes allegiance, is a banned outfit in India.

A Dhaka-based fact-checker confirmed to India Today Digital that the video of Jashimuddin, probably shot in a hospital ward, was genuine. It was likely shot in the first week of September as Rahmani referred to "one month of the revolution" of Sheikh Hasina's ouster in the video. The "revolution" was a reference to the protests in Bangladesh that ended on August 5, after Sheikh Hasina fled the country.

Rahmani, who was jailed for five years for murdering a blogger, was released on parole in August, weeks after a military-backed interim government took charge under Nobel-laureate Muhammad Yunus.

RAHMANI WARNS WILL GET 'CHICKEN'S NECK BLOCKED BY CHINA'

Islamic extremist Jashimuddin Rahmani, who is known for his extremist views and links to Pakistan-based terrorist groups, called for the secession of West Bengal while vowing support for separatist movements across India.

"We will tell Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal to free Bengal from Modi's rule and declare independence," Jashimuddin Rahmani said in the inflammatory monologue.

The Islamic terrorist also warned India against any aggressive actions towards Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh is not like Sikkim or Bhutan. It is a country of 18 crore Muslims," Rahmani said, suggesting that any provocation would result in strategic retaliation.

He then threatened to enlist China's help in cutting off India's northeastern states by cutting the Siliguri corridor, often referred to as the "chicken's neck", a 20-kilometre narrow stretch connecting the northeastern region to rest of India.

"If you take a step towards Bangladesh, we will ask China to close the chicken's neck [Siliguri corridor]. We will tell the Seven Sisters [Northeastern states] to join the freedom movement," Rahmani was said saying in the video.

Rahmani's message to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee comes at a sensitive time when her government is facing an unprecedented wrath of the people following the rape and murder of a 31-year-oild trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

JASHIMUDDIN RAHMANI EXHORTS PAKISTAN TO HELP KASHMIRIS

Rahmani, whose outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) was banned by the Sheikh Hasina government, referred to the Khalistani movement in Punjab and the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, while talking about "disintegrating" India.

In the 30-minute-long video, terror-monger Rahmani warned India that Bangladesh's "Tawhid population", a reference to Islamic unity, would rise up if Bangladesh was challenged by India.

"It is a country of 18 crore Muslims. This is our sacred land. If you dare to look this way, your eyes will be taken out... Take a step forward, and your legs will be broken... Reach out, and your hands will be cut off...," Jashimuddin Rahmani threatened in the video.

"The day is not far when your country too will be broken, and the flags of the Tawhid will flutter in Delhi," the terrorist added.

The ABT chief, who has openly supported al-Qaida and its branch in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS), sought assistance from Pakistan and Afghanistan to "liberate Kashmir" and advocated for Khalistan.

"Tell Kashmir to get ready for freedom. Pakistan and Afghanistan together will help Kashmir gain independence. We will work for the freedom of Kashmir," he said.

Jashimuddin Rahmani, who was jailed under Bangladesh's anti-terror laws during Sheikh Hasina's rule, also warned India against associating with the former Bangladesh PM.

"Stay away from Hasina, she herself is rotten, and she will spoil you too. I will tell India not to dance around with Hasina," he added in the video.

JASHIMUDDIN RAHMANI AND HIS ATB A THREAT TO INDIA

Jashimuddin Rahmani, the leader of the terror outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), poses a serious threat to India's security. Rahmani's release raised alarms for India, especially given ABT’s strong ties to al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and its efforts to establish a jihadi network within India through sleeper cells.

In recent years, terrorists of ABT have been arrested in Assam, including during a foiled terror plot in May 2024. Intelligence reports suggest that ABT has partnered with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to carry out attacks, particularly in India's northeastern region.

That Bangladesh has freed such a terrorist and is allowing him to spread messages of hatred is a matter of concern for India.

Declare Bengal's independence from Modi rule, Bangladesh Islamist tells Mamata

In a video, Islamist Jashimuddin Rahmani Hafi, the chief of al-Qaida affiliate, Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), asked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to "declare independence from Modi's rule". The recently freed terrorist also said that "India will be partitioned, and Islamist flags...

www.indiatoday.in

 

[AbuShalehRumi]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1835765691447935044

Stop posting fake and shameless indian propaganda from indian X handle.

There was no Sunni-Shia violence, but Hefajat e Islam vs Ahle sunnat wa al Jamat clash did happened yesterday. They're both sunni group and they have long standing feud as long as I can remember.

How much RAW pay you and those propaganda handles?

 

[Circadian Rhythm]

Stop posting fake and shameless indian propaganda from indian X handle.

There was no Sunni-Shia violence, but Hefajat e Islam vs Ahle sunnat wa al Jamat clash did happened yesterday. They're both sunni group and they have long standing feud as long as I can remember.

How much RAW pay you and those propaganda handles?

You should join twitter and directly talk to this person

Don't shoot the messenger

 

[AbuShalehRumi]

You should join twitter and directly talk to this person

Don't shoot the messenger

I have no interest.
.
You're posting fake indian propaganda without any reliable source. That makes you complicit in the crime.

 

[Circadian Rhythm]

I have no interest.
.
You're posting fake indian propaganda without any reliable source. That makes you complicit in the crime.

Is this Twitter account run by an Indian or Bangladeshi

By the way There are other Twitter accounts also reporting about events from Bangladesh

How many will you Ban or reject or dismiss as propoganda

Infighting and lawlessness and arbitrary arrests and mobocracy and an Overall anarchy is pervasive

You Cannot hide the truth

 

[Arthur]

I have no interest.
.
You're posting fake indian propaganda without any reliable source. That makes you complicit in the crime.

I see few posters here, ooerating & following yhe same modus of CRi/BAl bots.

Previously they used get paid per post by CRI & DGFI.

It's rumored that a bot firm comprising 15 million bots has been activated last month.

 

[AbuShalehRumi]

Is this Twitter account run by an Indian or Bangladeshi

By the way There are other Twitter accounts also reporting about events from Bangladesh

How many will you Ban or reject or dismiss as propoganda

Infighting and lawlessness and arbitrary arrests and mobocracy and an Overall anarchy is pervasive

You Cannot hide the truth

LOL, come with proper paper works or shut up RAW bot.

 

[Circadian Rhythm]

LOL, come with proper paper works or shut up RAW bot.

You can keep living in Denial

You cannot stop people from posting on Twitter

 

[AbuShalehRumi]

You can keep living in Denial

You cannot stop people from posting on Twitter

LOL, keep posting millions of posts. But, come with proper paperwork's when challenged...

 

[Circadian Rhythm]

LOL, keep posting millions of posts. But, come with proper paperwork's when challenged...

This forum has very few active members

If you feel you are being Defamed, take it up with twitter

If I don't post something, will it mean that Everything is fine after your Revolution