US Intelligence Chief, Director of National Intelligence Colonel Tulsi Gabbard has raised the alarm on the escalating crisis of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh. Speaking in an exclusive interview with NDTV’s Vishnu Som, Gabbard painted a grim picture of a nation teetering on the brink of becoming a staging ground for a “global caliphate”.

This warning comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, a country once praised for its secular foundations but now grappling with a surge in radical Islamist activity. Gabbard emphasized that the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh is a long-standing concern, and Islamist terrorism has become a major worry for President Trump’s administration.

However, recent developments under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus have raised serious questions about its commitment to combating extremism. In a disturbing display of growing radicalization, the banned terror outfit Hizb ut-Tahrir orchestrated a massive rally in Dhaka on Friday, March 7, 2025 along with other Mob attacks and lawlessness staged regularly by Radical Islamists across the country. Defying a long-standing ban, over a thousand operatives of the extremist group HT mobilized in broad daylight, marching through the capital as part of their “March for Khilafat” (March for Caliphate) campaign.

The demonstration, held immediately after Friday prayers at the National Mosque, unfolded in full view of law enforcement, exposing the growing impunity afforded to radical elements under the current administration. This alarming resurgence of radical groups has raised critical concerns about national security and the government’s priorities.

Adding fuel to the fire, the interim government has made the controversial decision to release Jashimuddin Rahmani, the leader of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an Al Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group. Rahmani, who was imprisoned for the murder of blogger Rajib Haider and faced additional charges under Bangladesh’s anti-terrorism laws, was freed on parole from Kashimpur High-Security Central Jail in Gazipur. This move has not only shocked many Bangladeshis but has also raised concerns in neighboring countries, particularly India, where ABT has been trying to strengthen its presence through sleeper cells.

The interim government’s actions, or lack thereof, in the face of these extremist demonstrations and the release of a convicted terrorist leader, cast doubt on its ability and willingness to tackle the rising tide of Islamist extremism. Critics argue that these developments represent a dangerous backsliding on the progress made in countering terrorism and practice of protecting minorities.

Tulsi Gabbard’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved on Islamizing Bangladesh. The specter of a “global caliphate” may seem over-critical, but as history has shown, the seeds of extremism, once sown, can quickly take root and spread. The time for action is now, before it’s too late.

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Source: Weekly Blitz :: Writings