The Precarious Void of Extremist Ideology in Bangladesh: A Path Towards Understanding the Phenomenology of Militant Violence
Abstract
This study focuses on the current yet precarious void of extremist ideology in Bangladesh, the third largest Muslim-majority country. With a populace seemingly ripe for recruitment into extremist networks such as al-Qaeda, this study examines a few key factors that contribute to the relative stability and lack of militant Islamist or extremist ideology in Bangladesh today: democracy and governance, Bangladeshi cultural identity, and geography. At the strategic level, Bangladeshi cultural identity is the single greatest factor in combating violent extremism and quelling the tide of would-be Islamist movements in Bangladesh. Operationally, the government, through effective and democratic governance, has been successful in identifying, capturing, and killing key leaders of terrorist organizations, thus effectively marginalizing militant organizations and their ability to organize and conduct terrorist acts. In that regard, Bangladesh as a Muslim country is at odds with trends among other Muslim countries in Southeast Asia where the extremist agenda has become more apparent or prominent. Although there is a definite and growing threat of militancy and Islamist political activism in Bangladesh over the last decade, thus far it has not gained a strong foothold due in large part to democratic governance, empowered by a culturally aware and tolerant populace. Added to this, the geography of Bangladesh adds an element of security and protection from outside militant influences as well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- AD1019702
Entities
People
- Shariful M. Khan
Organizations
- Air University