October 12, 2022
DHAKA – It is alarming to note that a number of young men have come under the Rab’s radar for their alleged involvement in militant activities on our soil. According to Rab, at least 55 young men who left their homes in the last two years are currently training to make explosives in remote hilly areas and carrying out activities of a new terror outfit with support from one or two “separatist” groups. Although many of the details about them are still unclear, this revelation should serve as another warning to us as a nation, and to the authorities in particular, that extremism is far from being defeated in the country.
After the horrific Holey Artisan attack, our counterterrorism forces have done a commendable job in preventing any further major terror attacks. Even though we have been successful in tackling militancy through the hard approach, there is much more work that needs to be done to tackle radicalisation in society through different soft approaches. The fact that more young people are getting radicalised is a testament to our failure in that regard.
Additionally, it is important for religious leaders and scholars to come forward, and enlighten the youth about the true messages of different religions – none of which condone violence against innocents. To avoid these subjects altogether, and leave them to be discussed by extremists alone would be a great mistake.
Militancy cannot be defeated simply through the use of greater firepower and force. Therefore, it is imperative for us to identify how and why young people are being radicalised, and by whom. Why are our youth getting alienated from society and their fellow citizens? Why are they leaning towards extremist ideologies? Why are more and more young people getting involved in one form of violence or another? These are questions that we must first find the answers to.
Needless to say, the absence of social and economic justice and basic dignity provides a fertile ground for extremists to exploit. Thus, while it is important for our counterterrorism forces to identify the masterminds who are providing the funds and other materials to radicalise the youth, we must all take action to ensure the restoration of justice, dignity and a form of social harmony and cooperation in society, which would be the anchor around which the youth can form their own individual identities.
Additionally, it is important for religious leaders and scholars to come forward, and enlighten the youth about the true messages of different religions – none of which condone violence against innocents. To avoid these subjects altogether, and leave them to be discussed by extremists alone would be a great mistake.
To overcome militancy, the authorities and society in general need to be proactive, rather than reactive. We must continuously work to ensure that radicalisation has no place in our country. Furthermore, we must ensure that our youth feel a sense of belonging in society, so that they don’t fall into the trap of extremists looking to exploit them for their own twisted agendas.