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Bangladesh Revolution Anniversary: Islamist Resurgence Threatens Stability

One Year After Bangladesh's Revolution: The Resurgence of Islamists Amid Fragile Stability

Dhaka, Bangladesh – As the first anniversary of the dramatic 2024 uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina's long-standing regime approaches, Bangladesh finds itself at a precarious crossroads. What began as student-led protests against job quotas and government corruption escalated into a nationwide revolution, forcing Hasina to flee to India on August 5, 2024. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, promised democratic reforms and a return to stability. However, one year on, the resurgence of Islamist groups has cast a shadow over these aspirations, raising alarms about the country's secular foundations and the potential for renewed extremism.

The revolution, often dubbed the "Monsoon Revolution" due to its timing during the rainy season, was initially celebrated as a triumph of youth activism and people power. Millions took to the streets, braving tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition from security forces. The protests, sparked by discontent over a quota system that favored descendants of 1971 independence war veterans—perceived as a tool for Hasina's Awami League to consolidate power—quickly morphed into broader demands for justice, economic equality, and an end to authoritarian rule. By early August 2024, the military stepped in, refusing to suppress the crowds, and Hasina's 15-year grip on power dissolved overnight. Yunus, appointed as chief adviser to the caretaker administration, vowed to hold free and fair elections, reform institutions, and heal the wounds of division.

Yet, in the ensuing months, the power vacuum has allowed Islamist factions, long suppressed under Hasina's secular-leaning but increasingly autocratic rule, to reemerge with vigor. Groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Islamist party, which was banned from elections in 2013 for its alleged ties to militancy, have capitalized on the chaos. Jamaat leaders, many of whom were imprisoned or in hiding during Hasina's tenure, have returned to the public sphere, organizing rallies and pushing for Sharia-influenced policies. Their narrative frames the revolution not just as a fight against corruption but as a divine opportunity to restore Islamic values in governance.

Hefazat-e-Islam, a coalition of madrasa-based clerics known for their hardline stance, has also surged in influence. In the immediate aftermath of the uprising, Hefazat militants were accused of vandalizing statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founding father and Hasina's father, symbolizing a rejection of the secular ethos he championed. Reports from human rights organizations detail a spike in attacks on religious minorities, particularly Hindus, who make up about 8% of the population. Temples have been torched, homes looted, and families displaced in districts like Khulna and Rangpur. One incident in November 2024 saw a mob, allegedly led by local Islamist figures, destroy a historic Hindu shrine, claiming it represented "idolatry." The interim government has condemned these acts, but critics argue that enforcement has been lax, with some police officers sympathizing with the perpetrators.

The resurgence isn't limited to fringe elements. Mainstream politics has shifted as well. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition under Hasina, has formed uneasy alliances with Islamist groups to bolster its base ahead of anticipated elections. Khaleda Zia, the BNP leader released from house arrest post-revolution, has publicly courted conservative voters by emphasizing Islamic identity in her speeches. This tactical pivot reflects a broader societal trend: surveys conducted by local think tanks like the Centre for Policy Dialogue indicate that support for Islamist policies, such as stricter blasphemy laws and gender segregation in education, has risen from 15% in 2023 to nearly 30% in mid-2025. Analysts attribute this to economic hardships—rampant inflation, unemployment, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic—pushing disillusioned youth toward radical ideologies that promise moral certainty and divine justice.

Internationally, the situation has drawn concern. The United States, which had criticized Hasina's human rights record, now warns of Bangladesh becoming a breeding ground for transnational terrorism. A leaked diplomatic cable from the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka highlighted the reappearance of figures linked to the banned militant group Ansarullah Bangla Team, responsible for assassinations of secular bloggers in the 2010s. India, Bangladesh's neighbor and Hasina's refuge, fears spillover effects, including increased border tensions and refugee flows. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has ramped up intelligence sharing with Yunus's administration, but relations remain strained amid accusations that India harbors Hasina, who faces extradition requests on charges of murder and corruption.

Yunus's government has attempted to counter the Islamist tide through reforms. In February 2025, a constitutional review committee was established to strengthen secular safeguards, drawing inspiration from the 1972 constitution's emphasis on socialism, democracy, and secularism—principles eroded under Hasina. Educational initiatives aim to modernize madrasas, integrating secular subjects to curb radicalization. Security forces have conducted operations against militant hideouts, arresting over 200 suspects in raids across Chittagong and Sylhet. However, these efforts are hampered by internal divisions. The military, which played a pivotal role in Hasina's ouster, is divided between reformists and conservatives who favor a stronger Islamic influence. Allegations of corruption within the interim administration have further eroded public trust, with protests erupting in Dhaka in June 2025 demanding faster elections.

Personal stories underscore the human cost of this resurgence. Take Rina Begum, a 45-year-old teacher from a rural village in Barisal. A vocal supporter of the revolution, she now fears for her safety after local Islamists threatened her for teaching co-educational classes. "We fought for freedom, not to replace one tyranny with another," she told reporters. Similarly, minority leader Prakash Das, who fled his home after an arson attack, laments, "The revolution promised equality, but now we're reliving the nightmares of partition." These voices highlight a growing divide: urban, educated youth who spearheaded the uprising envision a progressive Bangladesh, while rural conservatives see an opportunity to realign the nation with Islamic principles.

Economically, the Islamist resurgence has implications too. Foreign investment, crucial for Bangladesh's garment industry—which employs millions—has dipped amid instability. The World Bank downgraded growth projections from 6.5% to 4.8% for 2025, citing political uncertainty. Islamist calls for boycotting Western brands accused of "immoral" practices have led to sporadic factory shutdowns, exacerbating unemployment.

As elections loom—tentatively scheduled for late 2025—Yunus faces the daunting task of balancing democratic inclusion with preventing extremist takeover. Some experts draw parallels to Egypt's Arab Spring, where initial democratic gains gave way to Islamist dominance and eventual military intervention. "Bangladesh's revolution is at a tipping point," says political analyst Shahidul Alam. "If Islamists consolidate power, we risk losing the secular soul that defined our independence."

Yet, there are glimmers of hope. Civil society groups, including women's rights organizations like Naripokkho, have mobilized against extremism, organizing interfaith dialogues and legal aid for victims. The youth wing of the revolution, now formalized as the "August Movement," continues to advocate for inclusive reforms. Whether these efforts can stem the Islamist tide remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: one year after the revolution, Bangladesh's quest for a stable, democratic future is far from over. The resurgence of Islamists serves as a stark reminder that revolutions, while born of hope, can unleash forces that threaten the very ideals they seek to uphold. (Word count: 1,028)

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