Bangladesh's Rising Profile in the Fight Against Terrorism

 

Bangladesh has made significant strides in the fight against terrorism, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report released recently. The country has improved two notches from 41 in 2022 to 43 in 2023,out of 163 countries, surpassing India, Pakistan, and even the United States. The GTI report is a comprehensive index that ranks countries based on the impact of terrorism and their ability to deal with it. Bangladesh's improvement in the ranking reflects its concerted efforts to combat terrorism in recent years.

Bangladesh's success in combating terrorism is a result of a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that addresses both the security measures and underlying social, economic, and political factors that can contribute to terrorism. It is a testament to the government's commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, as well as its ability to effectively implement counter-terrorism measures. The government has not only focused on strengthening security measures but also taken steps to address the root causes of terrorism. The country's law enforcement agencies have been successful in identifying and apprehending terrorist suspects, as well as disrupting terror plots before they can be carried out. Moreover, the government has taken a tough stance against terrorist organizations and their supporters. It has actively pursued and arrested members of extremist groups and their financiers. It has also worked to de-radicalize individuals who have been influenced by extremist ideologies. The government has also taken steps to cut off the funding sources of terrorism and increased intelligence sharing with other countries. It has also helped  to curb radicalization by promoting moderate and inclusive values in society.

The government's focus on countering radicalization and extremism has also played a critical role in this success. The government has taken steps to promote moderate and inclusive interpretations of Islam, while cracking down on extremist propaganda and hate speech. In addition, the government has also implemented measures to address the underlying social and economic grievances that can fuel radicalization, such as poverty, unemployment, and education. It has also worked to strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance, recognizing that corruption and authoritarianism can contribute to the rise of extremist groups.

International cooperation and collaboration have also been instrumental in Bangladesh's success in combating terrorism. The government has worked closely with international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, to share intelligence, expertise, and best practices in counter-terrorism. This has helped the country to better understand and address emerging threats, as well as to improve its overall capacity to prevent and respond to terrorist incidents.

However, it is important to note that the threat of terrorism still exists in Bangladesh, and there is no room for complacency. Despite the progress made, the fight against terrorism is far from over. Bangladesh still faces significant challenges, including the emergence of new terrorist groups and the threat of homegrown extremism. And that is why, the government should continue to work to improve its counter-terrorism capacity. It should continue to bend their efforts to counter terrorism and take additional measures to completely curb it. And this will require sustained effort and collaboration, both domestically and internationally.

In order to further curb terrorism and all other forms of radicalization in Bangladesh, the government should leverage its counter-terrorism resources. The steps that they can take are as follows: First and foremost, they need to strengthen the law enforcement agencies, particularly the police force. The police force should be equipped with modern technology and trained to handle complex security situations. The security at vulnerable points, such as transportation hubs and public places should be enhanced. Secondly, the government should work on better intelligence gathering and sharing intelligence and expertise with international partners, and coordinate efforts to disrupt terrorist networks.

Thirdly, the government needs to take a holistic approach to address the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to the spread of extremism, terrorism and other forms of radicalization in the country. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and discrimination, which can create an environment that is conducive to extremist ideologies. It should focus on improving education and employment opportunities, promoting moderate values and inclusive culture, and investing in infrastructure development in underdeveloped areas. Fourthly, the government must work to build trust and cooperation between different communities in the country. This can be achieved through initiatives such as interfaith dialogues, community policing programs, and other efforts to promote social cohesion and inclusiveness.

Fifthly, the government should constantly adapt and adjust its strategies and tactics in response to evolving threats and challenges. This includes investing in research and development of new technologies to better detect and prevent terrorist attacks. The international community should also support Bangladesh's efforts in this regard, as terrorism is a global threat that requires a collective response.

Finally, the government should ensure that its efforts to combat terrorism are conducted in a transparent and accountable manner. It should maintain the rule of law and protect human rights while taking tough measures against terrorism and extremism. In addition, the government must remain vigilant against emerging threats, such as cyber terrorism and the use of social media to spread extremist propaganda. It should continue to invest in training and equipping law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders, as well as promoting community engagement and dialogue to address the root causes of terrorism.

Bangladesh's remarkable progress in combating terrorism is indeed praiseworthy. The government’s success in improving its ranking in the GTI is a testament to their commitment to combating terrorism and promoting peace and stability in the region. Sheikh Hasina has proved that even with limited resources, a government can effectively combat terrorism if it is committed to doing so. Bangladesh’s progress is also a sign of hope for other countries facing similar challenges. We are looking forward to seeing that the country remains vigilant against emerging threats of terrorism, and continue to make progress in the fight against it.


Dr. Rashid Askari is a freethinking writer, academic, translator and former vice chancellor of Islamic University Bangladesh.