For a decade and a half, the government of Bangladesh positioned itself as a primary barrier against the rise of religious extremism. Under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the state maintained a strict stance against radical and jihadist organizations, most notably implementing a heavy crackdown on Jamaat-e-Islami, the nation’s largest Islamist party. While some critics viewed Hasina’s governance as authoritarian, many accepted these measures as a necessary trade-off to keep extremist elements suppressed.
The landscape shifted dramatically on August 5, 2024, when the Awami League government was removed from power. This transition sparked significant regional apprehension, particularly in India, where officials feared that the political vacuum might transform Bangladesh into a sanctuary for extremist groups with aspirations of targeting Indian territory. These anxieties were rooted in the potential for a surge in Islamist activity following the collapse of the established administration.
As of August 2026, two years since the government's fall, the political environment has evolved in ways that reflect these earlier fears. Jamaat-e-Islami has successfully reintegrated into the mainstream parliamentary process, a development highlighted by party Ameer Shafiqur Rahman’s appearance at an election rally in the Chattogram district on February 2, 2026. Simultaneously, the country has observed the mobilization of various radical groups and an increase in reported attacks directed at religious minorities. Despite these developments, observers note that the situation remains complex, and the extent to which the country is experiencing a full-scale Islamist resurgence remains a subject of ongoing debate.
Really, Hasina cracked down on everyone – but to some, her authoritarian bent was an acceptable price to pay to keep religious extremism under wraps.
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