Terror's New Haven: Post-Hasina Bangladesh Faces Radical Islamic Resurgence

Paul Riverbank, 7/24/2025Bangladesh faces resurgence of Islamic extremism as counter-terrorism measures weaken under new government.

Bangladesh's Dangerous Drift: A Security Nightmare in the Making

The streets of Dhaka tell a story that would have seemed impossible just two years ago. Where armed guards once stood vigilant outside the Holey Artisan Bakery – site of 2016's devastating terror attack – today's scene feels unnervingly casual. This visible shift mirrors a broader, more troubling transformation in Bangladesh's security landscape since Sheikh Hasina's government fell in August 2025.

I've spent three decades covering South Asian politics, and rarely have I witnessed such a dramatic reversal in counter-terrorism policy. Last week's High Court decision to commute death sentences for seven militants involved in the Holey Artisan massacre isn't just controversial – it's symptomatic of a government losing its grip on extremism.

The numbers are stark. Since December 2024, authorities have released 144 militants affiliated with groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team and Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh. But it's not just about statistics. Walking through Dhaka's Paltan area last month, I watched ABT Chief Mufti Jashimuddin Rahmani – recently released on bail – draw crowds that spilled onto the streets. His fiery rhetoric, now unchecked, would have been unthinkable during Hasina's tenure.

The Rohingya camps present another worry entirely. These sprawling settlements have become perfect recruiting grounds for militant organizations. During my visit to Cox's Bazar in April, local aid workers described how extremist groups operate through makeshift madrassas, targeting desperate youth with promises of purpose and belonging.

What's particularly concerning is the dismantling of Bangladesh's counter-terrorism infrastructure. The once-feared Rapid Action Battalion sits largely idle, its operations virtually suspended since August 2024. Sources within the intelligence community tell me that carefully cultivated networks are crumbling as new leadership pushes out experienced officers.

The ripple effects are already visible beyond Bangladesh's borders. In December, Indian authorities arrested eight individuals, including an ABT operative, suggesting these groups are expanding their reach. "We're seeing patterns reminiscent of the late 1990s," a senior Indian intelligence official told me off the record, referring to a period when Bangladesh served as a haven for various militant organizations.

The interim government under Muhammed Yunus faces mounting pressure from Islamic scholars and madrassa students demanding the release of more convicted terrorists. An organization called "Boishomyohin Karamukti Andolan" has gained surprising traction, framing terrorism charges as political persecution under the previous regime.

Security expert Elaine Pearson puts it bluntly: "Bangladesh risks becoming what counter-terrorism experts most fear – a permissive environment for extremist ideology to flourish." The growing calls for Sharia-based governance, combined with a weakened security apparatus, create perfect conditions for militant groups to rebuild their networks.

As someone who's witnessed Bangladesh's long struggle with extremism, I can't help but see dangerous parallels with periods of past instability. The international community's concern is warranted – this isn't just about Bangladesh anymore. The country's shift from strict counter-terrorism policies to what some officials privately call a "hands-off approach" could reshape South Asia's security landscape for years to come.

The question now isn't whether Bangladesh's security situation will deteriorate further, but how far-reaching the consequences will be. For a region already grappling with multiple security challenges, Bangladesh's current trajectory adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile mix.

Bangladesh's Dangerous Drift: A Security Nightmare in the MakingThe streets of Dhaka tell a story that would have seemed impossible just two years ago. Where armed guards once stood vigilant outside the Holey Artisan Bakery – site of 2016's devastating terror attack – today's scene feels unnervingly casual. This visible shift mirrors a broader, more troubling transformation in Bangladesh's security landscape since Sheikh Hasina's government fell in August 2025.I've spent three decades covering South Asian politics, and rarely have I witnessed such a dramatic reversal in counter-terrorism policy. Last week's High Court decision to commute death sentences for seven militants involved in the Holey Artisan massacre isn't just controversial – it's symptomatic of a government losing its grip on extremism.The numbers are stark. Since December 2024, authorities have released 144 militants affiliated with groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team and Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh. But it's not just about statistics. Walking through Dhaka's Paltan area last month, I watched ABT Chief Mufti Jashimuddin Rahmani – recently released on bail – draw crowds that spilled onto the streets. His fiery rhetoric, now unchecked, would have been unthinkable during Hasina's tenure.The Rohingya camps present another worry entirely. These sprawling settlements have become perfect recruiting grounds for militant organizations. During my visit to Cox's Bazar in April, local aid workers described how extremist groups operate through makeshift madrassas, targeting desperate youth with promises of purpose and belonging.What's particularly concerning is the dismantling of Bangladesh's counter-terrorism infrastructure. The once-feared Rapid Action Battalion sits largely idle, its operations virtually suspended since August 2024. Sources within the intelligence community tell me that carefully cultivated networks are crumbling as new leadership pushes out experienced officers.The ripple effects are already visible beyond Bangladesh's borders. In December, Indian authorities arrested eight individuals, including an ABT operative, suggesting these groups are expanding their reach. "We're seeing patterns reminiscent of the late 1990s," a senior Indian intelligence official told me off the record, referring to a period when Bangladesh served as a haven for various militant organizations.The interim government under Muhammed Yunus faces mounting pressure from Islamic scholars and madrassa students demanding the release of more convicted terrorists. An organization called "Boishomyohin Karamukti Andolan" has gained surprising traction, framing terrorism charges as political persecution under the previous regime.Security expert Elaine Pearson puts it bluntly: "Bangladesh risks becoming what counter-terrorism experts most fear – a permissive environment for extremist ideology to flourish." The growing calls for Sharia-based governance, combined with a weakened security apparatus, create perfect conditions for militant groups to rebuild their networks.As someone who's witnessed Bangladesh's long struggle with extremism, I can't help but see dangerous parallels with periods of past instability. The international community's concern is warranted – this isn't just about Bangladesh anymore. The country's shift from strict counter-terrorism policies to what some officials privately call a "hands-off approach" could reshape South Asia's security landscape for years to come.The question now isn't whether Bangladesh's security situation will deteriorate further, but how far-reaching the consequences will be. For a region already grappling with multiple security challenges, Bangladesh's current trajectory adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile mix.