The last time the BNP-Jamaat alliance was in power, during its 2001–2006 tenure, several banned extremist organisations, including JMB, Hujji and Harkat-ul-Jihad, emerged across the country. Terrorist attacks swept across Bangladesh, not just in Ramu and Chattogram but throughout the country. Now, in 2026, with BNP-Jamaat back in power, the resurgence of Islamist militancy is once again becoming evident.
When trying to understand why young Bangladeshis are gravitating towards extremism, two names repeatedly come to the forefront: the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. In recent times, the involvement of educated, urban youth in extremist activities has reportedly increased. Isolated from their families and society, they are falling prey to online extremist propagandists. The role of political patronage in creating such an environment cannot be ignored.
For years, Jamaat-e-Islami has spread extremist ideology on university campuses in the name of student politics. The BNP has tolerated such extremism for the sake of political expediency. During 2001–2006, the coalition government formed by the two parties adopted a policy of support towards extremists, allowing organisations such as JMB to gain strength. Security analysts believe that history is repeating itself in 2026.
An identity crisis, the tension between Bengali and Muslim identities, and the exploitation of solidarity with the global Muslim Ummah are among the factors pushing young people towards extremism. But the question remains: who is responsible for creating this situation? Those who, while holding state power, have displayed an indulgent attitude towards extremist groups.
This policy of indulgence towards extremism by the BNP-Jamaat alliance is not only jeopardising the future of young people but also raising serious questions about national security. A politics of tolerating extremism for political gain has once again taken root in Bangladesh. As a result, this unfortunate Golden Bengal may soon find itself plunged into the hellish nightmare of terrorism all over again.
Source: Prothom Alo
https://www.prothomalo.com/opinion/column/85ttbotcfg
