Shafi Md Mostofa

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• Doctor of Philosophy
• Professor at University of Dhaka

In this paper, we examine the changing nature of an authoritarian regime, which is emerging from the social and political conditions shaped by the unconsolidated democracy in Bangladesh. Drawing on desk-based research combined with interviews from the field, we argue that the current form of the authoritarian regime in Bangladesh represents the cha...

Challenges from Islamist militants have been an integral part of Bangladesh’s political landscape since the 1980s. Islamist militancy has passed through different phases of silent and active forms, drawing inspiration from conflicts in Libya, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. A vast literature has dealt with Islamist militancy in Bangladesh,...

This book seeks to investigate not only the causes of radicalization but also how radicalization has unfolded since 2009 based on an exhaustive review of the relevant literature and two stints of fieldwork in Bangladesh involving 71 in depth interviews of highly credentialed individuals. This book looks at both local and global factors that have se...

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted dimensions of violent extremist groups in South Asia, attending especially to the relationships between the local and regional forces influencing their emergence and activities. In addition, research in the book shows how political, security-sensitive events and processes are framed, and...

AQ’s activities in Bangladesh have primarily been conducted through its South Asian affiliate, Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), which has adopted a propagandacentric approach to gain a foothold in the country. This article assesses AQIS’ online presence and propaganda aimed at recruiting affluent urban youth and exploiting longstanding d...

Taking stock, the banning of the Awami League is a watershed moment for Bangladesh. It reflects the culmination of years of political manoeuvring, governance failures and public disenchantment. While the move may signal a break from entrenched authoritarian rule, it also presents new risks, including political fragmentation and ideological shifts t...

In the midst of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Bangladesh has opted for a measured and diplomatic approach. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus issued a statement on May 10 commending both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for agreeing to an immediate ceasefire and engaging in dialogue. “Bangl...

Taking stock, the Kashmir attack has exposed the fragility of India's security apparatus and the dangers of securitisation. While nuclear deterrence may prevent war between India and Pakistan, the domestic fallout, including the persecution of minorities, poses a grave threat to India's social fabric. The exploitation of the crisis for political ga...

Jamaat-e-Islami is attempting to reframe itself as an early adopter of the progressive, inclusive spirit of the July Revolution. Will it work?

The liberal world order has left Muslims suffering on multiple fronts. Secularism, rather than safeguarding religious freedom, has curtailed Islamic expressions. Islamophobia and the war on terror have systematically marginalized Muslims, both socially and politically. Genocides and ethnic cleansings targeting Muslims continue, with minimal interve...

As Bangladesh redefines its foreign policy, its ability to balance regional and global interests will determine the future trajectory of Bangladesh-China relations in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

The imposition of steep US tariffs on Bangladeshi exports — amid a post-revolution leadership shift — risks undermining Washington’s influence at a critical geopolitical juncture. While the interim government under Dr Muhammad Yunus was expected to strengthen ties with the West, the punitive trade measure could instead accelerate Bangladesh’s pivot...

The challenges facing the BNP are significant, but they are not insurmountable. To regain its position as a leading political force, the party must take decisive action on several fronts. First and foremost, Tarique Rahman must return to Bangladesh and assume a more active role in leading the party. His presence would not only galvanize the BNP’s s...

Bangladesh’s student-led revolution has ushered in a new era of democracy by toppling an authoritarian regime and paving the way for non-partisan governance. To sustain this momentum, the country must carefully guide its transition, ensuring lasting democratic reforms and institutional stability. In a global context where democracy is increasingly...

The interplay of global hegemony, majoritarian discourse, and ruling narratives shapes state behavior and regime popularity. Consolidated democracies manage ideological diversity better, enabling non-violent regime changes, while unconsolidated systems like India and Bangladesh risk authoritarianism or populism. Governments’ failure to balance comp...

The UN Secretary-General’s visit serves as a reminder of the power of international solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises, fostering democratic transitions, and combating misinformation. As Bangladesh continues its journey towards stability and prosperity, the UN’s support will remain a cornerstone of its progress, ensuring that the nation’s...

Following Bangladesh's July 2024 revolution and the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, minority communities faced complex challenges amidst political chaos. While Indian media portrayed systematic persecution, evidence suggests most incidents were politically motivated rather than religiously targeted. Bangladesh's society showed remarkable resili...

A new political party formed by the students who led the July 2024 uprising represents a bold attempt to redefine Bangladeshi politics.

With “Operation Devil Hunt,” the interim government risks repeating the mistakes of the erstwhile Awami League regime.

Interviews with individuals arrested for terrorism reveal how the issue of terrorism intertwines with West-centric narratives, ideological extremism, and the political strategies of the Awami League.

Rebuilding political legitimacy will be an uphill battle for the Awami League, requiring a reimagining of its organizational structure and a substantive ideological recalibration.

Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture. The fall of Sheikh Hasina and the disarray of the Awami League offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the nation’s political system. However, the rising tensions among the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the revolutionary student platform threaten to plunge the country back into chaos. Without radi...

Islam and Zoroastrianism share remarkable similarities in their theological and eschatological beliefs. They both believe in the oneness of God, with different names (Ahura Mazda for Zoroastrians and Allah for Muslims) but similar attributes of omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. Both religions acknowledge archangels, with Zoroastrianism re...

Since gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971, political Islam has considerably impacted Bangladesh. While the country is predominantly Muslim, with about 90% of the population practising Islam, it is essential to note that most Bangladeshis do not subscribe to political Islam, as this is evident from their electoral success over time. It is als...

This book examines the socio-political histories, religio-political agendas and politico-militant (and for some, non-violent) strategies of institutions of political Islam in Bangladesh. Focusing on Jammat-e-Islami, Hefazet-e-Islam, Jammatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansar al Islam, Neo-Jammatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB), Tablighi Jamaat,...

The Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), founded by Sheikh Abdur Rahman in 1998, aims to establish an Islamic state in Bangladesh and gained momentum between 1999 and 2005. However, the execution of its leaders in 2007 dealt a severe blow to the organization. Despite this setback, the JMB maintains links to groups affiliated with the IS and Al-Qae...

Political Islam, or Islamism, is a term that describes diverse movements and ideologies that seek to apply Islamic principles to social and political realms. This broad concept covers a range of groups, including both peaceful activists and violent extremists. The term has become more controversial in recent years due to the rise of Islamist moveme...

Although Islamist militancy has been on the rise over the past decade, there is limited research available on the activities of Ansar Al Islam (AAI). However, this chapter utilizes primary and secondary sources to conduct a discourse analysis of the group’s history. AAI is an Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) affiliated Islamist militant o...

The Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB) is a personality-driven political movement with the ultimate goal of establishing an Islamic state in Bangladesh. Founded in 1970 as the Bangladesh Muzahid Committee (BMC), it was renamed several times, with the latest being in 1987. This chapter argues that the party’s strategies include a strong organizational...

Neo-JMB, a militant group in Bangladesh, espouses an ideology similar to IS. Since 2013, IS has focused on expanding its network in Bangladesh and declared a khalifa for the Bengal region in June 2015. While IS’s rise globally is attributed to factors such as Western intervention in the Middle East, bad governance, and the failure of ruling elites,...

The Bangladesh Jama’at-e-Islami (JeI) is one of the oldest institutions of political Islam (or, as it prefers to call itself an Islamist political party) in Bangladesh. This party has gone through difficulties throughout the country’s political history, and, in fact, it played a controversial role during the independence war of Bangladesh in 1971....

Hefazat-e-Islam (HeI) is a political and social movement in Bangladesh that aims to preserve traditional Islamic values and oppose secular and liberal influences. Emerging from Qawmi madrassas, HeI has gained authority over the government but faces challenges in this relationship. Despite facing persecution, HeI has become an unofficial ally of the...

Tablighi Jamaat (TJ) is a worldwide Islamic missionary movement founded in 1927 by Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Kandhlawi in the Indian subcontinent. It aims to promote conservative and traditional interpretations of Islam, emphasizing personal piety and spiritual renewal. Originally started as a local effort, TJ has grown to encompass various regions of...

This article investigates why the Jamaat-e-Islami of Bangladesh (JIB), the largest Islamist political party in South Asia, has been failing to achieve electoral success since 1991, despite their strong Islamist ideology. In fact, the party’s vote share has decreased from its highest point in 1991 to its lowest in 2008. The article, drafted before t...

After a long period of military rule, the military’s overt role in politics has diminished since the 1990s – as evidenced by its restrained role during the revolution of July-August 2024.

The Indo-Pacific region is a geopolitical hotspot where the U.S. promotes democratic values and China advances authoritarian norms, reflecting their contrasting ideologies in a struggle for regional dominance. Bangladesh's geopolitical significance in the Indo-Pacific offers opportunities and challenges, requiring strategic navigation of major powe...

While the government transition has exposed underlying tensions, it also presents an opportunity for both nations to redefine their relationship on more equitable and inclusive terms.

Bangladesh's path to liberal democracy seems fraught with challenges that cannot be overcome through conventional means. Instead, a more pragmatic approach may be required—one that balances the ideals of democratic reform with the realities of Bangladesh's sociopolitical landscape. A multiparty government, focused on economic stability and educatio...

Extremist groups in Bangladesh are increasingly using online platforms to spread violent ideologies.

The Unification Church (UC), founded by Sun Myung Moon in South Korea in 1954, is a religious movement that combines elements of Christianity with Korean shamanism and Confucianism. It teaches that Moon and his wife are the "True Parents" responsible for restoring humanity to its original sinless state, and advocates for the unification of all reli...

The ousted Bangladeshi prime minister failed to replicate China’s success for two critical reasons: ideological disconnect and economic decline.

The imposition of secularism by the ruling elites catalyzed a conservative backlash that has continued to shape the religious and political landscape of the country since independence.

The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime in 2024 underscored the powerful role of domestic resistance, despite years of support from global powers like the U.S., India, China, and Russia, each driven by their strategic interests. While these external actors played a crucial role in sustaining her government, it was ultimately the people of...

Post-revolution Bangladesh is undergoing a a decisive ideological shift away from the secularism that has defined much of its post-independence narrative.

As Bangladesh stands at this crossroads, the nation faces a range of possibilities. The potential for meaningful institutional reform exists, but it is far from guaranteed. The interim government must balance the urgent need for elections with the longer-term goal of rebuilding the nation's democratic and institutional foundations. The evolving p...

The student-led revolution of 2024 brought with it the hope of a new beginning for Bangladesh, but the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus appears unlikely to deliver the justice and radical reforms that many had hoped for. The historical failures of previous regimes, the missed opportunity to operate outside the existing system, the governmen...

There is no alternative to international collaboration if Dhaka University is to improve its global standing and rise in the THE rankings. Increasing international partnerships would not only resolve up to 70 percent of the ranking criteria but also elevate DU’s academic and research output to new heights. The university must actively pursue collab...

The collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime in August 2024 marked the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh, with the student-led revolution pushing for a more inclusive political and social order. This shift from secular Bengali nationalism to multiculturalism presents a significant turning point as the country reimagines its national ide...

Hasina’s Awami League has already been ousted from mainstream politics. Will it end up on the path toward violent extremism and strategic marginalization?

Bangladesh’s recent revolution is a powerful reminder that injustices, when left unchecked, inevitably sow the seeds of resistance and rebellion. From the conversion of Hindus to Islam in Bengal centuries ago to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in 2024, history shows that those who feel marginalized and oppressed will eventually rise against their oppr...

The student-led revolution that brought an end to Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule was not just a political movement but a social and cultural upheaval. By dismantling the regime’s sacrosanct narratives – of both the Hasina family and the War of Independence – students directly challenged the foundation of her authoritarianism. Their willingness to sac...

Liberal modern values, which are deeply ingrained in Bangladesh’s civil society, media, and elite circles, are a significant deterrent to JeI’s growth.

The interim government must act swiftly and decisively to address the political, economic and security issues that threaten to unravel the nation. It must do so while maintaining the spirit of the revolution that brought it to power, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and respected. The path forward is fraught with uncertainty, but it...

Globally, marriage breakup or divorce has become a significant issue, and Bangladesh is no exception. The divorce rate among urban women has dramatically increased in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka City. This study aims to uncover the factors contributing to the rising divorce rate among women in Dhaka. Utilizing desk-based research and expert i...

Prison radicalization poses a significant and evolving threat in Bangladesh's correctional facilities. This research article delves into the conditions fostering radicalization, including corruption, overcrowding, violence, and the lack of essential amenities. Drawing on extensive analysis of secondary data and expert interviews, this article argue...

Religious sentiments have become a potent tool for political elites, altering national identities and citizenship criteria. This manipulation, driven by majoritarian ideologies, has marginalized religious minorities, leading to discrimination, violence, and legal persecution against them. Hindu, Islamic, and Buddhist nationalisms seem to collective...

As Bangladesh navigates its democratic journey, the specter of US double standards serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent tensions between geopolitics and democratic ideals. While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, it is imperative that the United States and the international community at large remain steadfast in their support f...

This third article in the 2024 World Affairs special issue examines the intricate interplay between secularism, religious sentiment, and authoritarian politics in postindependence Bangladesh. Despite being founded on secular principles in 1971, the notion of Bangladesh as a strictly secular state is challenged. This article contends that while secu...

Religious sentiments have become a potent tool for political elites, altering national identities and citizenship criteria. This manipulation, driven by majoritarian ideologies, has marginalized religious minorities, leading to discrimination, violence, and legal persecution against them. Hindu, Islamic, and Buddhist nationalisms seem to collective...

Terrorist organizations in Bangladesh have employed various funding methods. These include self-donations, expatriates’ remittances, robbery, and small business donations. The interconnectedness between groups like KNF and Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya underscores the urgency of curtailing terror financing to prevent further unrest in the cou...

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate dynamics surrounding female involvement in jihadism in Bangladesh. Drawing on expert interviews and surveys, the study uncovers a multifaceted picture of this phenomenon. Three distinct categories of factors-push, pull, and facilitating-emerge as central in explaining the surge in fema...

The convergence of socio-economic challenges, political disillusionment and geo-political tensions has created a fertile environment for the ascendance of Islamist forces in Bangladesh, posing significant implications for the nation’s future political trajectory, and regional dynamics. The failure of secular forces is, in turn, empowering Islamist...

This study utilizes both fieldwork and desk-based discourse analysis of newspaper reports to investigate the number of suicides among graduates in Bangladesh. According to some reports, a majority of suicide cases involve young adults who are either currently studying at university or have recently completed their degree (between the ages of 20 and...

The article examines four key areas affecting child well-being in Bangladesh: child marriage, violence against children, child education, and child health. The research for this article was conducted through fieldwork, including surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and expert consultations. Despite the prevailing perception t...

South Asia has witnessed a surge in jihadist activity, with Al-Qaeda (AQ) and the Islamic State (IS) making significant inroads into the region. Their presence has reshaped terrorism dynamics, notably by involving women in jihadism. AQ and IS have leveraged social media to attract both male and female recruits, with a particular focus on the latter...

The erosion of democracy in Bangladesh is intricately linked to the rise of a radical form of nationalism, which takes the form of ‘political nationalism.’ Political nationalism emphasizes exclusion based on political identity rather than cultural, ethnic, or racial factors. This piece develops the concept of political nationalism to elucidate the...

The protracted Palestine-Israel conflict has ignited widespread public protests in South Asia, revealing a growing anti-Semitic sentiment among certain segments of the population. This surge in anti-Semitism, coupled with covert radicalization efforts, underscores the complex interplay of visible solidarity and hidden extremist influences, raising...

This paper discusses the impact of Covid-19 on Islamist narratives of end-time scenarios that predict the annihilation of a corrupted world and its ultimate replacement by a world order based exclusively on Islam. It does this against the backdrop of Islam's antagonistic relationship with the West, particularly from the ending of the Cold War in th...

Secularism, stemming from the historical process of secularization in the Western world, emerged during the Renaissance and aimed to reduce religion's influence on government while emphasizing worldly foundations for power. Though defining secularism is complex, it involves detaching religion from social and political affairs, encompassing various...

Despite initial challenges, China-Bangladesh relations have strengthened considerably, driven by China’s policy of generous economic assistance and growing anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.

It appears that the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh is going through some strain. Bangladesh is endeavouring to handle its relations with the US in the lead-up to the next election. Navigating this dynamic geopolitical situation will require astute diplomatic strategies and judicious decision-making on Bangladesh's part. While...

The situation in the Rohingya camps is complex and multi-faceted, with various factors contributing to the potential threat that Rohingyas may pose to the peace and security of Bangladesh and South Asia. The presence of militant organizations, the involvement of extremist groups, the vulnerability to criminal exploitation, the small-arms trade, and...

Thus, it can be argued that secularism, like other religions, aims to replace traditional religions with putting stress on rational thinking and individual freedom. Scholars such as Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber predicted that religion would decline with societal progress, but their understanding of secularism as merely a political p...

Socioeconomic, regional, and global engagement of Bangladesh in March 2023.

Socioeconomic, regional, and global engagement of Bangladesh in April 2023.

India is planning two additional canals that will draw water from the transboundary river, impacting water flows to Bangladesh.

This paper uncovers why the CVE strategy of the government is not effective to curb the militant challenge in Bangladesh.

The jihadist group is attacking Hindutva aggression in India in its publications.

Socioeconomic, regional, and global engagement of Bangladesh in February 2023.

Socioeconomic, regional, and global engagement of Bangladesh in January 2023.

The controversial Adani deal with Bangladesh seems to aggravate anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, put pressure on forex reserve, and bear testimony to AL's pro-India policy.

It appears that if the government does not take steps to transform Bangladesh’s prisons from “universities of radicalization” into proper correction centers, militants will continue to expand their networks and plan attacks both in and out of jail.

Violent extremism, which is not a new phenomenon in Bangladesh, takes three forms: left- wing extremism, ethnocentric extremism, and Muslim extremism. Since the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, extremist groups have used various forms of violence to express their diversified agendas of scientific socialism, self-autonomy, and an Islamic state. W...

Afghanistan, a South Asian land-locked nation, is one of the top ranked fragile states across the globe. It is evident from the contemporary scholarly works that state fragility has significantly contributed to the rise of ideological extremist groups in the country. For the last 20 years, following the overthrow of the Taliban government by the US...

The introductory chapter introduces the reader to the topics of the book and the central questions it addresses. This chapter also theorizes the book and focuses on key concepts. It provides some insights into some anecdotes on the dynamics of violent extremism. It discusses the significance of the book and, finally, presents a summary of the chapt...

Bangladesh has been facing the challenges of Islamist extremism since the early 1980s, but the arrival of IS and Al Qaeda in the early twenty-first century in Bangladesh has changed the total scenario of law and security mechanisms, although the government denies the presence of IS and Al Qaeda in Bangladesh. The Ansar-al-Islam, an Al Qaeda like-mi...

Dhaka has received little help from its development partners who are busy waging their geopolitical battles in the country.

The South Asian country is being courted by the U.S., Russia, and China among others, and officials are making a beeline to Dhaka.

Crime has risen as have unemployment and prices. But rehabilitation work among refugees has provided locals with jobs in NGOs.

Socioeconomic, regional, and global engagement of Bangladesh in December 2022.

The paper explains how Jamaat offers dual political advantages for Awami League.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party says it will boycott general elections if they are not held under a neutral caretaker government.

Socioeconomic, regional, and global engagement of Bangladesh in November 2022.

The ruling Awami League is concerned over the massive rally that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has planned at Dhaka on December 10.

The economic crisis has provided the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party with a stick to beat the ruling Awami League.

Socioeconomic, regional, and global engagement of Bangladesh in October 2022.

Bangladesh is the third largest Muslim country in the world, which at times becomes headlines of international media due to the escalation of religious extremist groups and attacks on foreigners and minorities. Bangladesh emerged as a secular nation-state in 1971 with the assurance of providing equal rights to all faiths. After the murder of Sheikh...

Seven members of al-Qaida-affiliated Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya were arrested recently.

An Islamist group that uses the grievance discourse to mobilize supporters, the PFI has over 500,000 members across India.

Socioeconomic, regional, and global engagement of Bangladesh in September 2022.