October 4, 2022
2 mins read

Bangladesh’s growing internet usage carries new risk of extremism

The surge in Internet usage and online communication during the Covid-19 pandemic has only helped the global terror outfits, which have used the medium to the fullest to spread their radical messages…writes MAHUA VENKATESH

Bangladesh is looking to tighten its security measures in the cyber space to address the hydra headed problem of radicalism. While the South Asian nation has not witnessed any major incidents of violence since the gruesome Holy Artisan Bakery incident in 2016, authorities said that threats are on the rise with the world opening up in the post Covid phase.

The surge in Internet usage and online communication during the Covid-19 pandemic has only helped the global terror outfits, which have used the medium to the fullest to spread their radical messages, finance their arms in different regions and even recruit.

Shafqat Munir, head of Bangladesh Centre for Terrorism Research and senior research fellow at Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies has recently said that there has been a fresh “recruitment and reconsolidation drive by these groups.”

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in a report published in June highlighted that despite the decline in the number of terrorist incidents since 2016, Islamist groups continue to operate, recruit, and carry out small-scale attacks while aspiring to perpetrate greater violence.

“Radical elements – not just in Bangladesh but even in India – continue to play an active role and their main aim is to destabilise the situation especially at this crucial juncture when the South Asian region needs better cooperation and connectivity to revive economic growth after being jolted by the (Covid) pandemic,” said Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, retired Air Force Officer in Bangladesh, who is now a geopolitical analyst.

Sources said that the countries in the region must have a joint action plan and information sharing mechanism to be able to address the issue.

Recently, Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman, President of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) has also underlined the need to put in place a well chalked out comprehensive strategy to fight extremist elements in the country.

“It is very important for us to remember that the absence of a successful terror attack does not mean the absence of terrorism, there is no substitute for vigilance and preparedness. We must be prepared at all times to counter the threat of terrorism and violent extremism. Society has a big role to play in this,” Dhaka-based Business Standard quoted Munir, head of Bangladesh Centre for Terrorism Research and senior research fellow at Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies as saying.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: India, Bangladesh Envoys Celebrate Durga Puja in London

Previous Story

Its not at all traditional anymore

Next Story

Russian lawmakers ratify annexation of 4 Ukrainian regions

Latest from -Top News

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India-B’desh JCC meeting to focus on river issues

The Foreign Minister said he would discuss all bilateral issues,

Bangladesh keen to join BRICS

This year’s BRICS summit, scheduled to take place in South