Facing Jamaat-e-Islami* in Bangladesh: A global threat in need of a global response

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Abstract

In an earlier policy brief on Bangladesh**, we argued for the assistance of the international community to democratic forces, including women and minorities; supporting the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in bringing justice and peace; countering the rise of extremist violence and urging the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to sever ties with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). In this policy brief we take an in-depth look at the significance of JeI within the global Jihadist movement and the need to answer it globally. Abul Ala Maududi, created the modern concept of Jihad in 1927 and he founded JeI in 1941. JeI is not a political party in the common understanding of the concept; it is an ideologically geared movement running several organisations. Its network includes numerous affiliate bodies (political, religious and cultural) and aims to transform the state and society of Bangladesh rather than merely win elections. JeI’s agenda seeks to bring about a social and political transformation that is diametrically opposed to the founding principles of Bangladesh. The rise of JeI is connected – directly, through individual members, or indirectly, through its affiliates – with the rise of violence and terrorism in Bangladesh, including its cross-border components. The organisation cultivates an anti-democratic notion of ‘demos’ and its rhetoric indicates that the only people that belong to the ‘demos’ of Bangladesh are those who fit their fanatic definition of a Muslim. JeI tries to replace parliamentary democracy with a theocratic Islamic state. Despite recent electoral and political setbacks, JeI is already so deeply entrenched into the institutional system of governance and public sphere that it can continue to function – even without being in power – and build-up its fanatic Islamist network. It risks turning Bangladesh into a major hub of terrorist activities. JeI’s connection to Western based Jihadist organisations – namely in the UK – shows that it is not just a regional phenomenon, but also an important international player. Whereas the international community has condemned violence in the country, it did not unanimously support the work of the ICT and the proscription of organisations linked to the 1971 genocide. We urge the international community to reassess its position regarding JeI and its partner organisations.