Online Radicalization: Bangladesh Perspective
Abstract
The internet has significantly increased terrorists' reach, and person to person contact is no more essential to radicalize people. Some terrorist organizations in Bangladesh are also maneuvering in the cyber domain to spread their ideologies and radicalize people. To prevent radicalization through cyberspace, Bangladesh mostly implements hard powers such as removing contents and restricting access to the internet. However, freedom of speech and access to information are prime requirements for a prosperous and democratic society. Therefore, Bangladesh should develop an effective strategy to counter radicalization without impinging citizens' freedom of speech. The country, nonetheless, faces challenges due to lack of coordination among the counter-terrorism agencies, and lack of positive initiatives to grow enduring social resilience against radicalization. Bangladesh may harness benefits by adopting key elements of seemingly successful programs of other countries. It should also create a strategy for appealing positive messaging to foster inter-faith respect and communal harmony where counter-narratives will be embedded. Besides, developing ethics and responsibility of the Internet users will create a self-monitoring system in the cyber domain. Finally, constructive measures will enable Bangladesh to develop a sustainable counter radicalization mechanism without impinging citizens' democratic rights.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1038847
Entities
People
- Mohammad I. Rashid
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College