Over the past three decades, Bangladesh has repeatedly experienced the rise of militancy and terrorism, often because those in power chose to downplay or deny the threat. A similar tendency is now visible within the current BNP government, raising serious concern.
During the interim government period, militants secured bail, some escaped from prison, and extremist groups regained visibility. Banned outfit Hizb ut-Tahrir and other banned organisations operated openly, and many continue to do so.
At the time, several police officials publicly claimed that there were no militants in the country. Echoing extremist narratives, they argued that anti-militancy operations under the previous Awami League government had been staged and that those arrested were innocent.
Now, amid fears of extremist attacks, security has been tightened at key installations across the country, and several Air Force personnel have been detained. Yet on Tuesday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed claimed that there are no militants in Bangladesh.
But on the same day, Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said the opposite—that militancy does exist.
The home minister made his remarks after attending an event at the Coast Guard headquarters in Dhaka, while the information adviser spoke at a Secretariat briefing on government activities.
These contradicting versions came when suspected militants are being arrested and on Friday night police headquarters warned that members of a banned extremist group might attack important installations, including the parliament building. Accordingly, directives had been issued to strengthen security nationwide.
The authorities have also tightened security at all airports. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies reported the arrest of a man in Dhamrai on charges of anti-state activities; he had been employed in a civilian role within the army.
In a major development, a missing warrant officer from an Air Force base in Chattogram was found at a hideout of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.
An investigation by TIMES of Bangladesh reveals that following this alarming development, a large-scale inquiry has begun within the Air Force to examine possible extremist links.
Over the past week, more than 20 Air Force personnel have been detained, including the warrant officer, two squadron leaders, several junior officers and airmen, and an imam.
Conflicting claims
When asked about the rise of militancy, the home minister rejected the term outright. He said there is no such activity in the country, adding that while small extremist groups may exist, as in any country, militancy is no longer part of Bangladesh’s present reality.
Referring to the previous government, he argued that the issue of militancy had been used for political purposes, suggesting that it was exaggerated to justify holding on to power.
He also stated that any allegations of misconduct within law enforcement or the armed forces are investigated through internal intelligence mechanisms and addressed under existing laws as part of routine procedures.
In contrast, the information adviser acknowledged the presence of militancy. He said it is a fact that extremist activity exists in Bangladesh, although he criticized the previous government for overstating the threat to serve political interests.
According to him, the earlier narrative portrayed militancy as an overwhelming danger to justify political authority. However, he also rejected claims made during the interim government period that militancy did not exist at all, calling that position equally misguided.
He noted that during the interim government’s tenure, extremist groups became more organised and increasingly visible.
The current government, he said, intends to confront the problem directly. A threat cannot be addressed unless it is acknowledged, and efforts will be made to reduce extremist activity to the lowest possible level.
A pattern of denial
In response to a question about reports that many militants were released from prison after 5 August 2024, the information adviser said some individuals had indeed been released, adding that countering such threats is part of the government’s ongoing responsibilities.
Historically, responses to militancy in Bangladesh have often been marked by inconsistency. In many cases, governments and law enforcement agencies have shown reluctance or leniency. Both BNP and Awami League have, at different times, been accused of using allegations of militancy to target political opponents and ordinary citizens.
As a result, extremist groups have sometimes been able to regroup, strengthen their networks, and carry out larger attacks.
Experts now warn that similar conditions may be emerging once again. The apparent contradiction between denial and acknowledgment within the government itself has only deepened concern.
The home minister’s remarks suggest that the current administration may be at risk of repeating past mistakes—underestimating a threat that has repeatedly proven costly for the country.
