Bangladeshi journalist and editor Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury has raised alarm over what he termed as the rapid Talibanisation and radicalisation of Bangladeshi society and politics, stating that Bangladesh is being turned into Afghanistan by extremist forces systematically gaining ground in the country. His remarks, which have sparked intense debate among regional observers, come at a time when the nation is witnessing rising religious conservatism, clampdowns on dissent, and growing influence of Islamist political groups.
Who is Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury?
Choudhury is an award-winning journalist and editor of Blitz, a Bangladesh-based publication known for its pro-secular, anti-radical Islamist editorial line. He has faced repeated harassment, arrest, and threats over the past two decades for his writings advocating:
- Bangladesh’s diplomatic recognition of Israel
- Countering Islamist extremism within South Asia
- Upholding secular constitutional values
He was jailed in 2003 for attempting to visit Israel to speak at an interfaith conference, and later convicted under sedition charges, which human rights organisations described as politically motivated persecution.
What did Choudhury say?
In a recent editorial and video message, Choudhury said:
“Those who think Bangladesh is safe from Talibanisation are delusional. The same forces who turned Afghanistan into a graveyard of progress are active here. Their agenda is identical – establishing a society where secularism, democracy, women’s rights, and minority rights are erased.”
He accused successive Bangladeshi governments of:
- Allowing radical clerics and Islamist parties unchecked space to propagate regressive interpretations of religion.
- Ignoring systematic targeting of minorities, journalists, and progressive voices.
- Undermining secular education, thereby enabling radical indoctrination.
- Curtailing freedom of expression through draconian digital security laws while turning a blind eye to extremist hate preachers.
Why are his remarks significant?
Choudhury’s statements have gained traction due to recent developments:
| Event/Trend | Implication |
|---|---|
| Rising attacks on Hindus and other minorities | Undermines secular pluralism that Bangladesh was founded upon |
| Strengthening of Hefazat-e-Islam and other Islamist groups | Exerts pressure on government policies to align with conservative agendas |
| Suppression of dissenting journalists and activists | Weakens democratic discourse |
| Radical sermons gaining popularity among youth | Potential breeding ground for future extremist cells |
| Curtailment of secular education curriculum | Limits critical thinking, reinforces fundamentalist narratives |
Experts’ perspectives on Bangladesh’s trajectory
Regional security analysts
- Warn that Bangladesh risks repeating Pakistan’s trajectory of enabling extremist groups for political gains, which later become unmanageable.
- Point out inter-linkages between South Asian terror networks, especially given the Rohingya refugee crisis and Islamic State attempts to recruit in camps.
Political observers
- Note that while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has cracked down on terror cells, it has also politically accommodated conservative clerics to retain electoral support.
- Caution that such dual strategies erode secular foundations over time.
Civil society and minority rights activists
- Emphasise an alarming increase in hate speech and targeted attacks on temples, churches, and liberal academics.
- Fear that these patterns are reminiscent of pre-Taliban Afghanistan, where progressive voices were silenced before radical takeover.
Choudhury’s warning on implications for India and South Asia
Choudhury warned that Bangladesh’s Talibanisation will not remain confined within its borders, stating:
“India must realise, a Talibanised Bangladesh will destabilise its northeast, empower jihadist groups targeting India, and worsen regional security.”
He called upon New Delhi to engage proactively with Dhaka to ensure democratic, pluralistic, and secular values remain protected for shared stability and counterterrorism goals.
Responses to Choudhury’s remarks
The Bangladeshi government has not officially responded to his statements. However:
- Islamist groups condemned his remarks, labelling him a “Zionist agent” and “anti-Islamic traitor.”
- Liberal activists lauded his courage, stating that few journalists in Bangladesh speak so openly despite risks.
- South Asian counterterrorism analysts shared his concerns, urging greater international focus on the underreported radicalisation trends within Bangladesh.
The geopolitical context
Bangladesh is a strategically critical nation in South Asia, bordering India’s vulnerable northeast, sharing maritime boundaries with Myanmar, and playing a vital role in Bay of Bengal security dynamics. Its transformation into an Afghanistan-like theocracy would have profound consequences for:
- Regional counterterrorism operations
- India’s Act East policy and connectivity projects
- Humanitarian conditions for minorities and women
Call for renewed secular revival
Choudhury concluded his editorial calling upon Bangladeshi youth, intellectuals, and diaspora to defend the 1971 Liberation War ideals of secularism and pluralism. He wrote:
“If we do not resist now, tomorrow our daughters will be barred from education, journalists will be hanged in public, and we will wonder how Afghanistan’s nightmare reached our homes.”
Disclaimer
This news article summarises the public statements made by Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury and analyses perspectives from regional security and political experts. It does not reflect any endorsement or opposition by this publication. Readers are advised to verify facts independently and consider diverse viewpoints before forming opinions.
