Global Watch | Bangladesh’s Terror Network: How Jamaat Became The Fountainhead Of Islamism
Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh maintains ties with Islamist movements across the globe, including in Pakistan, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia
After the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government, Bangladesh, under the leadership of its Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has become a hub of radical Islamists and terrorist groups that pose a danger not only to the regional peace and security but also pose a grave threat to global peace and security. This is Part 1 of the multi-part series that profiles some of the key terrorist and Islamist outfits active in Bangladesh, resulting in pogrom of Hindus and other minorities. These radical Islamist groups have systematically targeted political opponents. All of them have close ties with Pakistan and the global terror network.
BRIEF HISTORY
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Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh (JIB) is a political and religious organization founded in 1941 by Maulana Abul Ala Maududi in British India. Initially established as a branch of the Jamaat-e-Islami (Pakistan) in the pre-independence era, it aimed to promote Islamic values and influence politics through the lens of Islamic law, known as Sharia. In 1947, following the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JIP) was established, and Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh emerged as a prominent player in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the group took a strong stance against the independence movement, aligning itself with Pakistan and opposing the breakaway of East Pakistan. As a result, many of its leaders were accused of collaborating with the Pakistani military in suppressing the independence movement, leading to their involvement in atrocities against Bengali nationalists. After the war and Bangladesh’s independence, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh was banned, but it was later re-legalized in 1979. Since then, the party has remained a significant political force, albeit controversial due to its ideology and its historical association with Pakistan during the war for independence.
PRESENT STATE
Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh remains a contentious political entity, known for its influence over the Islamist political and social landscape in Bangladesh. It has faced multiple challenges from both the government and civil society for its controversial activities during the 1971 war and its ideologies that are perceived as anti-secular and anti-democratic by many.
Despite these challenges, the party still holds influence within the country’s political dynamics, although it was banned from contesting elections under its own name since 2013. Many of its leaders faced legal challenges and accusations of war crimes related to the 1971 Liberation War. But the Yunus regime lifted this ban in August 2024, within days of taking over the reins of power.
The party’s leadership and members have consistently engaged in political activism, both domestically and internationally, advocating for the establishment of an Islamic state in Bangladesh. Its role in the country’s political system had been significantly reduced, especially after the controversial war crimes trials of 2010-2013, which led to the conviction of several of its prominent leaders. However, it has bounced back under the Yunus regime and is carrying forward its agenda with full force to turn Bangladesh into a Sharia-ruled state.
PROMINENT LEADERS
Shafiqur Rahman: A medical doctor by profession, Rahman is the ‘Jamaat Ameer’. He has been involved in the organisation’s activities for decades and remains one of the prominent figures
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir: Although primarily the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Mirza Fakhrul has had close ties with Jamaat-e-Islami, particularly in forming alliances against the ruling Awami League. He has been involved in various political movements alongside Jamaat leaders.
Abdul Quader Mollah (Posthumous Influence): Although Abdul Quader Mollah, who was one of the most prominent leaders and activists, was executed in 2013 for war crimes, his influence still looms over the party’s ideological direction. His execution is termed as ‘martyrdom’ by Jamaat, and this has been used to rally support, especially from more radical elements within Jamaat.
Professor Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain: A former minister in previous government coalitions with the BNP, Hossain remains influential within the party, though he has been active mainly in the political domain rather than day-to-day party operations.
Abdul Hamid: Another notable leader within Jamaat who has maintained a degree of influence, though his role is mainly within the broader Islamist movement in Bangladesh rather than formal political structures.
Ruhul Amin: Ruhul Amin is a senior leader and spokesman for Jamaat-e-Islami, often representing the party during press conferences and in interactions with the media.
BANGLADESH JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI’S LEADERSHIP IN EXILE
A number of senior Jamaat leaders, including those convicted of war crimes, either resided in exile or operated from outside Bangladesh till August 2024. Many of them are arriving back in Bangladesh under the Yunus regime. The leaders who still remain out of Bangladesh maintain communication with the Jamaat’s domestic leadership and continue to direct the party’s external advocacy.
IDEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY
Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh subscribes to the ideology of Islamism, advocating for the establishment of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. The party seeks to combine political activism with religious devotion, promoting Islamic principles as the foundation for both personal and societal governance.
- Islamic Governance: Jamaat-e-Islami advocates for the establishment of an Islamic state where laws are based on the Qur’an and Sunnah (the teachings of Prophet Muhammad).
- Opposition to Secularism: The party is firmly opposed to secularism and the separation of religion from politics, which is the basis of Bangladesh’s constitution. It promotes the idea of integrating Islamic values into all aspects of governance and society.
- Social Justice and Welfare: Jamaat-e-Islami also emphasises that all the welfare programs and education institutions should be based on Islamic principles.
- Pan-Islamism: The party holds a vision of Muslim unity across the globe, particularly in South Asia, and has historically aligned itself with other Islamist organizations in the region, such as Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami.
SCHOOL OF THOUGHT
Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh follows the Deobandi school of thought within Sunni Islam, emphasising traditionalist and orthodox interpretations of Islamic texts. The party’s philosophical roots are heavily influenced by the works of Maulana Abul Ala Maududi, who advocated for a puritanical form of Islam integrated into the state. Jamaat wants to apply Maududi’s Islamic principles to a modern state.
CHRONOLOGICAL DETAILS OF ANTI-STATE OR ANTI-INDIA ACTIVITY
- During Bangladesh’s Liberation War (1971), Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh was most infamously known for its active opposition to the independence of Bangladesh and its collaboration with the Pakistani military. Party leaders supported the military crackdown against Bengali nationalists, leading to mass atrocities. Its involvement in the violence and the subsequent trials in the post-independence period has been a significant part of the party’s legacy.
- Anti-India Stance: Historically, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh has maintained an anti-India stance, largely due to the geopolitical dynamics between Bangladesh and India. The party’s leadership has expressed opposition to Indian influence in South Asia, including issues concerning water sharing, border disputes, and political alignments.
- During the 2000s, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh was involved in widespread protests and strikes against perceived anti-Islamic policies and the government’s secular agenda. The party often staged violent demonstrations against Indian policies, particularly regarding Kashmir.
- Post-2010: Jamaat-e-Islami has been involved in several high-profile protests and violent clashes with the government, particularly during the war crimes trials of 2010-2013, where it sought to protect its leaders from prosecution.
PRESENT HOLD IN BANGLADESH
Despite facing legal challenges and the loss of political power in recent years, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh continued to exert influence within certain sectors of Bangladeshi society even during Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Its grassroots support base remained strong, particularly in rural areas and among conservative Muslim communities.
Jamaat-e-Islami was a key player in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led alliances in the 1990s and 2000s. However, since 2013, following the war crimes convictions, the party had been unable to contest elections directly. In 2013, the government of Bangladesh amended the constitution to prevent Jamaat-e-Islami from participating in elections. With the removal of the ban after the Yunus-led government came into power, its influence continues through affiliated groups and social organisations.
The party at present holds significant support among certain sections of society, particularly in the context of opposition to the ruling Awami League party, which has a secularist agenda. Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh maintains ties with Islamist movements across the globe, including in Pakistan, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
The writer is an author and a columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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