Tulsi Gabbard Signals Bangladesh’s Darkening Sands
By Anwar A. Khan
Whispers of a faltering land – Bangladesh and U.S. Director of National Intelligence ( DNI) Tulsi Gabbard’s warning against rising extremism and global concerns! More so, Bangladesh’s silent descent and the battle for secular identity!
Following the downfall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, Bangladesh, a nation once lauded for its secularism, has descended into a grim and oppressive darkness. The nation, which once stood as a beacon of pluralism and secular ideals, now finds itself grappling with an alarming rise in mob violence, political retribution, and the systematic persecution of its minority communities. With the fall of Hasina’s government, an era marked by corruption, political vendettas, and blatant human rights violations has unfolded, casting a long shadow over the nation’s future.
Under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and General Waker, the country has witnessed an unprecedented increase in violence, including lynchings, arson, and extrajudicial killings. The current regime, with its cadre of corrupt advisers and opportunistic student leaders, has fostered an environment ripe for extremist ideologies to take root. Meanwhile, corruption and the siphoning of public funds continue unabated, while extremist right-wing Islamist jihadists gain increasing influence. These forces, emboldened by the government’s inaction and tacit approval, have begun to reshape the political and social fabric of the country.
Despite the severity of the crisis, mainstream media in Bangladesh remains largely silent, terrified of retribution from the ruling regime. The truth, however, is evident on international social media platforms and in foreign English-language news outlets, where the stark reality of the country’s descent into extremism is openly discussed.
In March 2025, U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, made a public assertion that has sparked both diplomatic tensions and national unease. She warned that Bangladesh was on the brink of becoming a breeding ground for Islamist extremism, with a looming threat of the establishment of an “Islamic Caliphate.” While her comments have been vehemently denounced by the Bangladeshi government, they echo a troubling truth that many within the country are reluctant to acknowledge. As someone deeply connected to Bangladesh’s history since 1966—having been a freedom fighter in 1971 to establish Bangladesh and a resident of Dhaka since 1972—I can attest that Gabbard’s statements reflect a grim reality.
The rise of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh is not a recent phenomenon but a gradual, insidious process that has accelerated under the current regime. Groups like Hizb-ut-Tahrir and Jamaat-e-Islami and its other killing offshoots under various pseudonyms, which have long advocated for the establishment of a horrific Islamic Caliphate, now operate with increasing impunity. These groups, once on the fringes of society, are gaining ground in both the political and social spheres, driven by a doctrine that threatens to dismantle the secular foundation upon which Bangladesh was built in 1971.
Religious minorities, particularly Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, who have long been integral to Bangladesh’s multicultural identity, now face relentless persecution. Their homes are destroyed, places of worship desecrated, and their lives upended by acts of violence and discrimination. The once-vibrant pluralism that characterized Bangladesh is being replaced by a narrow, exclusionary religious ideology that marginalizes these communities.
The situation has reached a crisis point, where the government’s failure to protect religious minorities has drawn the attention of the international community. Reports of forced conversions, mob attacks, and the destruction of religious sites have become disturbingly common. The United Nations has condemned the government’s inaction, while human rights organizations have raised alarms over the state of religious freedom only for the Muslims in Bangladesh.
The government’s response to these developments has been both inadequate and troubling. Rather than addressing the rise of radical factions, the interim government appears to be complicit in their actions. Support for extremist groups has become evident in the form of political patronage, with radical elements gaining increasing influence within the corridors of power. The government’s promises to protect religious harmony ring hollow, as the persecution of minorities continues unabated.
In her interview, Gabbard underscored the broader geopolitical implications of Bangladesh’s descent into extremism. She pointed out that the rise of jihadist factions in Bangladesh poses a serious threat not only to the country’s internal stability but to regional security as well. Bangladesh’s proximity to India, coupled with the growing presence of radical groups within its borders, has raised alarm in New Delhi. India, which has long been a target of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, now faces the prospect of jihadist groups gaining a foothold in a neighboring country.
The situation is further complicated by Bangladesh’s increasing ties with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which has long been accused of supporting extremist factions in the region. These developments have significant implications for South Asia’s security, as the rise of radicalism in Bangladesh could lead to increased militancy and cross-border insurgencies. As Bangladesh becomes more entwined with radical elements, the region’s stability is increasingly at risk.
Gabbard’s warning also reflects broader international concerns about the spread of Islamist extremism in South Asia. The United States, under the Trump administration, has prioritized counterterrorism efforts in the region, and Gabbard’s comments align with these broader objectives. The U.S. and its allies, including India, have a vested interest in preventing the spread of radical ideologies, which pose an existential threat to the region’s stability.
In response to Gabbard’s remarks, the interim government of Bangladesh has strongly denied the characterization of the country as a hotbed of extremism. Officials have reiterated their commitment to counterterrorism and maintaining religious harmony. However, the growing influence of jihadist groups and the government’s failure to take meaningful action against them suggests a different reality. Critics argue that the government’s actions, including its support for radical factions, only serve to embolden these groups.
The government’s failure to address the rise of extremism has not gone unnoticed by the international community. Human rights organizations and foreign governments are increasingly concerned about the state of religious freedom and the protection of minorities in Bangladesh. The growing repression of political opposition, the targeting of activists, and the increasing influence of Islamist groups are clear indicators that the country is slipping further away from its secular roots.
The future of Bangladesh is now uncertain. The country’s secular identity, once a proud cornerstone of its independence, is under siege. As extremist ideologies gain traction, the very foundation of the nation is being eroded. The persecution of religious minorities and the rise of radical groups threaten to plunge Bangladesh into a period of darkness from which it may never recover.
Yet, amid the encroaching darkness, there are still voices within Bangladesh calling for the preservation of its secular heritage. These voices, though increasingly marginalized, continue to fight for a pluralistic society where all religious communities can live in peace and equality. The battle for Bangladesh’s soul is far from over, and the international community must continue to support those who are striving to safeguard the country’s secular future.
In conclusion, the political transformation of Bangladesh under the Yunus-Waker administration represents a critical juncture in the nation’s history. The rise of Islamist extremism, coupled with the ongoing persecution of religious minorities, has cast a dark shadow over the country’s future. While the government may deny the extent of the threat, the evidence of radicalization is clear. The international community must remain vigilant in its efforts to prevent Bangladesh from slipping further into extremism and to ensure that its secular identity is preserved for future generations.
The author, a firsthand witness to the tumultuous birth of Bangladesh in 1971, is a seasoned and senior columnist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Views are personal and IAR neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.
