The Rise of Extremism in South Asia: A Path to Resistance

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Jul 06, 2025

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Dark clouds of conflict are looming over South Asia, particularly across Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, where complex crises have entangled Muslim communities. The current trajectory suggests South Asia may become the next battleground for global and regional powers—just like the Middle East—fuelled by religious extremism and communal hatred.

Religious Extremism and Government Policy in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s strategy of suppressing extremist groups through force alone was a critical mistake. Extremism stems from misguided religious ideology, and when met solely with force, it often reinforces the believers’ zeal.

Instead of countering radicalism ideologically and presenting the correct understanding of jihad, the government followed Western methods of crackdown, arrests, and executions without addressing the root causes.

This failure to build a counter-narrative allowed radical groups to re-emerge stronger in the current political vacuum, turning Bangladesh into a safe haven for extremism.

Social Intolerance and Violence

Religious and social intolerance in Bangladesh has reached alarming levels, with mob violence, attacks on women and minorities, and destruction of cultural events becoming common.

The rise of vigilante groups under names like "Tawhidi Janata" or "Student Movement" has led to violence across the country, including vandalism of shrines, attacks at book fairs, and assaults on cultural programs. These incidents have created a toxic atmosphere of hatred, inching Bangladesh closer to civil conflict.

Islamophobia in India and Regional Tensions

Meanwhile, Islamophobia in India is intensifying under the BJP-led government. Discriminatory laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the controversial Waqf Amendment are pushing Muslims toward statelessness and stripping them of rights.

Violence against Muslims, suppression of religious freedom, and media-driven propaganda targeting Bangladesh have worsened the situation.

A recent terror attack in Kashmir killed 24 Hindus, 1 Christian, and 1 Nepali tourist. In response, India revoked Pakistani visas, demolished suspected militants’ homes, and intensified military presence—leading to escalating tensions that could spill into full-blown war.

Anti-India Sentiment in Bangladesh and Political Polarization

Anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh has surged, especially as former PM Sheikh Hasina remains in India as a "guest." Radical groups have used this to promote narratives like “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” framing India as a Hindu-majority oppressor. The arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das sparked further unrest in Chattogram, escalating communal and political tensions.

International Concerns and Proxy Conflicts

Global concern is rising over the spread of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh. U.S. intelligence and international media have raised alarms, with some even labeling Bangladesh as the “next Afghanistan.”

Economic pressure from the U.S., including increased tariffs, has also contributed to instability. Meanwhile, Myanmar has expressed concern over Bangladesh’s alleged links with the Arakan Army. A humanitarian corridor through Bangladesh was approved under UN pressure, but analysts fear this might drag the country into a proxy war between global powers.

Rohingya Camps and Militant Activity

Rohingya refugee camps are reportedly sheltering militant groups like ARSA and Al-Yaqin, which are organizing in support of the Arakan Army. Armed and financed through drug and gold smuggling, these groups pose security threats.

Media reports indicate growing influence of extremist ideologies in the camps, supported by sympathizers from countries like Pakistan and Indonesia.

Historical and Geopolitical Context

South Asia is now being shaped into a battleground involving Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Myanmar, with Islamic extremism and communalism being used as political tools. Extremist groups originally gained prominence during the Soviet-Afghan war (1979), giving rise to groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

The U.S. responded post-9/11 with military action, followed by wars in Iraq and Syria—wars fueled by foreign interventions, leading to millions of deaths and destroyed nations. In each case, extremist groups were initially supported and later targeted by Western powers for geopolitical and economic gains.

Gaza Crisis and Western Hypocrisy

Currently, Gaza is being devastated, with thousands of women and children killed, while the Western world watches silently, often blaming Islamic militant groups.

In truth, Western powers have historically funded or manipulated extremist groups for their own strategic purposes, only to later wage “wars on terror” for political and economic leverage, especially arms trade. Now, similar geopolitical strategies are being employed in South Asia to counter China and Russia’s influence, putting regional stability at grave risk.

Call for National Unity in Bangladesh

If the 170 million people of Bangladesh remain passive, foreign powers may turn the country into another war zone. To prevent this, the nation must urgently raise ideological awareness, resist the misuse of religion for extremism, and expose distorted interpretations of concepts like jihad and “Ghazwa-e-Hind.”

A unified resistance rooted in correct Islamic principles is essential. The people must rise above party, sect, and school of thought to unite under the sovereignty of one Creator. Only a principled national unity under one honest leader can protect Bangladesh from becoming the next Iraq, Syria, or Afghanistan.

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