Islamist Extremist Resurgence And Attacks On Minorities Threaten Bangladesh’s Stability: Former White House Official

Growing extremism in Bangladesh has become a matter of grave concern for the United States, according to Lisa Curtis, former South and Central Asia point-person during US President Donald Trump’s first term. 

Speaking on Thursday, Curtis highlighted the challenges facing Bangladesh following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose leadership was pivotal in containing extremism

"We are at a critical juncture in Bangladesh. With the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina and efforts to reform the political system, there is a lot of hope. People are hopeful that the democratic process will get stronger," Curtis said on Thursday (14 November), news agency PTI reported.

She said that since Hasina's removal, attacks on minorities—particularly Hindus—have escalated, coinciding with the release of Islamist extremists from prison. 

"But there's also a lot of concern. Some Islamist extremists have been released from jails. There have been some attacks on minorities, Hindus, Christians," Curtis told PTI.

"We've seen a history of terrorism in Bangladesh. You had the Holy (Artisan) Bakery attacks in 2016. Very serious incident. You've had some ISIS (Islamic State) elements in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina had done a good job of controlling the extremist problem in Bangladesh," Curtis added.

Curtis warned that such instability is detrimental not just to Bangladesh but to the entire region, emphasising the need for immediate attention from the incoming Trump administration.

There is understandably some concern that these elements return to the political scene, which would not be helpful for Bangladesh, she said.

"It would not be helpful for the region, the United States, anyone. We are at a delicate time in Bangladesh. So even though it might not be the number one priority of (President-elect) Trump, I think his team, his national security team, will have to pay attention to what's happening (there)," she said.

Curtis urged that the incoming administration should work with India, which also has concerns about the future direction of Bangladesh and is more directly impacted by what happens because of its proximity.

The Awami League regime led by Hasian was toppled on 5 August 5 after a massive protest originating from a quota reform campaign by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement.

Three days later Nobel laureate Muhammad was appointed as the chief adviser of the interim government.

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