Published: 01:15 AM, 29 June 2026
The Rise of Predatory Hyenas in Bangladesh
As predatory hyenas roam unchecked, Bangladesh must steadfastly defend its democracy against extremist symbolism, preserving liberty, constitutional order, national unity, and peace.
Bangladesh stands at a profoundly delicate moment in its national journey. Every generation inherits the solemn responsibility of safeguarding the values upon which the nation was founded.
Whenever forces of hatred, fanaticism, and intimidation seek to overshadow those ideals, silence ceases to be neutrality. It becomes surrender.
Recent reports concerning the widespread display of so-called "Tawhidi flags" across major intersections, flyovers, and numerous districts have ignited intense public debate. The issue extends far beyond the appearance of a particular flag. Rather, it concerns the political symbolism attached to it, the intentions behind its coordinated display, and the broader implications for national cohesion, public security, and Bangladesh's international standing.
Bangladesh was born through an immense sacrifice in 1971. Its independence was achieved not merely to establish another territorial state but to create a nation founded upon democracy, pluralism, human dignity, and the sovereign aspirations of its people.Any movement that seeks to undermine those foundational principles deserves careful scrutiny under the rule of law.
According to recent media reports, intelligence agencies are examining allegations that individuals associated with the previous interim administration may have encouraged earlier public demonstrations involving these flags.
The reports also indicate that investigators are assessing whether there are links between current activities and past networks.
The rapid proliferation of symbols that some security analysts believe resemble those historically associated with internationally designated extremist organizations has understandably generated concern.
Symbolism possesses enormous political power. Throughout history, flags have mobilized populations, inspired resistance, and, at times, legitimized violent ideologies.
No responsible state can afford to ignore symbols that may be interpreted as endorsements of extremism or intolerance.
Bangladesh has already paid a devastating price for violent extremism. The nation has endured terrorist attacks, targeted assassinations, attacks upon religious minorities, assaults on cultural institutions, and repeated attempts to replace democratic discourse with fear.
Those painful experiences should serve as permanent reminders that radicalization rarely emerges overnight. It advances gradually—through narratives, symbols, organized demonstrations, and the normalization of extremist rhetoric.
Equally noteworthy are reports that several foreign diplomatic missions have held regular meetings with those malevolent political actors, including leaders of horrific Jamaat-e-Islami mass murderers of 1971 and 2024.
As a keen observer of Bangladesh's political landscape since 1966, particularly during the periods before and after 5 August 2024, I have personally observed what appeared to be recurring engagements between successive ambassadors of a major Western power and these nefarious political figures.Such interactions inevitably invite public scrutiny and raise important questions about their broader diplomatic and political implications.
Many observers regard these close associations with deeply concerning political forces as profoundly alarming.
Some fear that such relationships may embolden extremist elements seeking to reshape Bangladesh along the lines of a rigid theocratic order, or into a republic divorced from the pluralistic ideals of its Liberation War, driven by a desire to avenge their historic defeat in 1971.
These remain matters of serious public concern.
Bangladesh's global reputation rests upon decades of diplomatic engagement, economic progress, humanitarian leadership, and participation in international peacekeeping.
Any perception that extremist influences are gaining visibility risks undermining investor confidence, diplomatic relationships, tourism, and broader international cooperation.
The overwhelming majority of Bangladeshis remain deeply committed to peaceful religious practice and constitutional order.
Their faith has long coexisted with the country's rich cultural traditions and democratic aspirations. It is therefore essential to distinguish between the peaceful expression of religious belief and any attempt to exploit religious symbolism for political mobilization or ideological extremism.
Protecting religious freedom and safeguarding national security are complementary responsibilities, not competing objectives.
The authorities bear an equally important responsibility. Investigations must remain professional, transparent, evidence-based, and entirely consistent with the rule of law.
Any individual found to have promoted unlawful activities or supported violent extremist networks should face appropriate legal accountability.
Civil society, educational institutions, journalists, religious scholars, and community leaders likewise have indispensable roles to play. They must continue promoting civic education, constitutional values, critical thinking, and peaceful coexistence while rejecting narratives that glorify violence or seek to divide citizens along ideological or sectarian lines.The story of Bangladesh has never been one of surrender to darkness. Time and again, its people have demonstrated extraordinary resilience against authoritarianism, militancy, and intolerance. That same collective resolve is needed today.
Bangladesh is now under siege by marauding hyenas. These predatory hyenas thrive wherever fear replaces courage and silence replaces vigilance.
Bangladesh must ensure that democratic institutions remain stronger than extremism, that constitutional values prevail over fanaticism, and that the sacrifices of 1971 continue to illuminate the nation's future rather than fade beneath the shadows of hatred.
The defence of Bangladesh demands unwavering fidelity to constitutional governance, the rule of law, and the enduring ideals upon which the Republic was born.
Only through those principles can Bangladesh preserve its hard-earned stability, protect its international reputation, and ensure that the forces of violent extremism never again dictate the destiny of a nation built upon sacrifice, hope, and freedom.
Anwar A. Khan is a
freedom fighter writing on
domestic and international issues.
