The Dangers of Islamism in Bangladesh After the Ousting of Sheikh Hasina

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam

19 August 2024

The Recent Ousting of Sheikh Hasina, Following The Intense Student-Led Protests In Bangladesh, Has Plunged The Country Into Uncertainty, Raising Fears Of A Resurgence Of Islamism. Historically, Bangladesh Has Seen Islamism Rise and Fall, Often Intertwined with Political Upheaval. The Current Situation Echoes the Turmoil in Other Nations Post-Arab Spring, Where Islamist Groups Emerged as Significant Power Brokers, Exploiting Societal Unrest.

Major Points:

1.          After Hasina's departure, Islamist factions in Bangladesh have quickly positioned themselves as key players, leveraging the power vacuum and public disillusionment.

2.          The Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia serves as a cautionary tale. The revolution initially promised democratic reforms but ultimately saw the rise of Islamist parties like Ennahda, which capitalized on the chaos and discontent to gain political power.

3.          The rise of Islamism in Bangladesh could have severe implications not only for the country’s internal stability but also for regional security.

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The recent ousting of Sheikh Hasina, who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for 15 years, marks a significant turning point in the country's political landscape. The student-led revolution that led to her departure has created a power vacuum, heightening fears of a resurgence of Islamism in Bangladesh. This situation is eerily reminiscent of the Jasmine Revolution in the Arab world, where Islamist groups capitalized on political instability to assert their influence. To understand the potential dangers of Islamism in post-Hasina Bangladesh, it is crucial to examine the historical context of Islamist movements in the country, the developments following the coup, and the lessons learned from similar events in other parts of the world.

Historical Context: The Rise of Islamism in Bangladesh

Islamism in Bangladesh has deep roots, dating back to the country’s struggle for independence from Pakistan in 1971. During the Liberation War, Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami opposed the independence movement, siding with Pakistan and committing atrocities against Bengali nationalists. Despite their defeat, these groups were not entirely eradicated and managed to regroup in the newly independent Bangladesh.

In the decades following independence, Islamism gained a foothold in Bangladesh's political sphere. The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh and a staunch secularist, in 1975 marked a significant shift. The subsequent military regimes of Ziaur Rahman and Hussain Muhammad Ershad facilitated the re-entry of Islamist elements into politics. Ziaur Rahman, in particular, incorporated Islamic elements into the constitution, paving the way for the growth of Islamist parties.

The rise of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Khaleda Zia further emboldened Islamist groups. The BNP formed alliances with Jamaat-e-Islami, giving them greater influence in politics. This period saw an increase in sectarian violence, attacks on religious minorities, and the gradual erosion of secular values in Bangladeshi society.

The Ousting of Sheikh Hasina and the Power Vacuum

Sheikh Hasina's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by efforts to curtail the influence of Islamist groups and promote secularism. Her government took a firm stance against radical Islamist elements, conducting trials against war criminals from the 1971 Liberation War, many of whom were affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami. However, her administration was also criticized for authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses, which fueled discontent among the population.

The student-led protests that culminated in Hasina’s ousting were initially focused on issues such as job quotas and government accountability but quickly evolved into a broader movement against her perceived autocratic rule. The violence that ensued resulted in nearly 300 deaths, forcing Hasina to resign and seek refuge in India. The absence of a clear successor and the disarray among secular political forces have created a power vacuum, which Islamist groups are eager to fill.

The Islamist Resurgence: A Smouldering Threat

In the aftermath of Hasina's ousting, Bangladesh is witnessing a resurgence of Islamist activity. Groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam, which had been marginalized under Hasina's rule, are now reasserting themselves. The political instability and the lack of a coherent secular leadership have provided these groups with an opportunity to regain influence.

Reports indicate that Islamist rhetoric is gaining traction, particularly in rural areas and among the youth. The disillusionment with secular politics, combined with economic hardships, has made Islamist ideologies more appealing to certain segments of the population. There are also concerns about the potential involvement of Islamist militants, who may exploit the situation to carry out attacks and further destabilize the country.

The resurgence of Islamism poses a significant threat to Bangladesh's secular and pluralistic identity. Religious minorities, particularly Hindus, have already faced increased persecution in the wake of the political turmoil. The rise of Islamism could lead to further sectarian violence, discrimination, and the erosion of human rights. Additionally, the alignment of Islamist groups with sections of the military or other power brokers could plunge the country into prolonged conflict and undermine any efforts to restore democracy.

Lessons from the Jasmine Revolution: A Warning for Bangladesh

The Jasmine Revolution, which began in Tunisia in 2010 and sparked the Arab Spring, offers important lessons for Bangladesh. While the revolution initially aimed to bring about democratic reforms, it ultimately led to the rise of Islamist parties, such as Ennahda in Tunisia, which capitalized on the chaos and discontent to gain political power. In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood emerged as a dominant force after the fall of Hosni Mubarak, only to be ousted in a military coup, leading to further instability and repression.

In both Tunisia and Egypt, the initial optimism for democratic change was quickly overshadowed by the challenges posed by Islamist groups. These movements often portrayed themselves as champions of democracy and social justice but later implemented policies that threatened secularism, women's rights, and minority protections. The experiences of these countries highlight the dangers of allowing Islamist groups to gain unchecked power in the aftermath of a revolution.

Bangladesh faces a similar risk. The absence of a strong, unifying leadership in the post-Hasina era, combined with the disarray among secular forces, could allow Islamist groups to fill the void. If these groups succeed in consolidating power, they may impose a version of Islamic law that undermines the secular principles enshrined in Bangladesh’s constitution. The result could be a regression in human rights, particularly for women and religious minorities, and a deterioration of social cohesion.

The Road Ahead: Securing Bangladesh’s Secular Future

To prevent the rise of Islamism in Bangladesh, it is crucial for the interim government and the country’s political leadership to take decisive action. The formation of an inclusive, secular government that represents the diverse interests of Bangladesh’s population is essential. This government must prioritize the protection of religious minorities, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that any attempts to impose an Islamist agenda are firmly resisted.

Furthermore, the international community has a role to play in supporting Bangladesh during this critical period. Neighbouring countries, particularly India, which shares cultural and historical ties with Bangladesh, should engage diplomatically to encourage the restoration of secular governance. Additionally, global human rights organizations should monitor the situation closely and provide support to civil society groups working to defend secularism and human rights in Bangladesh.

The military, which has played a significant role in Bangladesh's political history, must also be kept in check. Any alignment between the military and Islamist groups could have disastrous consequences for the country’s stability. The military should be encouraged to support the establishment of a democratic, civilian-led government that reflects the will of the people.

In conclusion, the ousting of Sheikh Hasina has plunged Bangladesh into a period of uncertainty, with the threat of Islamism looming large. The country’s history of Islamist movements, coupled with the current political vacuum, creates a dangerous situation that could undermine the secular and pluralistic fabric of the nation. By learning from the experiences of other countries, such as those affected by the Arab Spring, Bangladesh can take steps to prevent the rise of Islamism and secure a future that upholds the values of democracy, human rights, and religious tolerance. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with strong leadership and international support, Bangladesh can navigate this turbulent period and emerge as a resilient, secular democracy.

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A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist.

 

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