Hizb ut-Tahrir, a radical Islamist organisation banned in Bangladesh since October 2009, held its first open rally in Dhaka on Friday, defying a long-standing government ban, as per ANI reports. The rally, titled “March for Khilafah”, began at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque following Friday prayers and was attended by thousands of supporters.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, the event led to clashes between the members of the banned organization and the police.
Law enforcement officers attempted to stop the procession, prompting a violent altercation. To disperse the crowd and regain control, the police used tear gas and sound grenades. While demonstrators initially scattered, they later regrouped and attempted to continue their march.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police had issued warnings a day earlier against public gatherings by banned organizations. Despite this, hundreds of activists chanting “Khilafat, Khilafat” marched from the mosque, attempting to push past police barricades, Reuters reported.
Hizb ut-Tahrir advocates for the establishment of a global Islamic Caliphate (Khilafah) to unite all Muslim-majority nations under a single Islamic government. While the organization claims to be non-violent, Bangladesh banned it in 2009 for posing a threat to national security.
Policemen use batons to disperse the supporters of the banned Islamist group Hizbut Tahrir near Baitul Mokarram Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (AP photo)
Islamist groups gaining visibility
Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, a professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Dhaka, noted that Islamist groups in Bangladesh have gained more freedom following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from the country. Speaking to ANI, Kalimullah stated that several banned Islamist outfits are now openly holding press conferences and expanding their influence.
“Islamists have succeeded in carving out larger space in the public domain. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strengthened its position, and Hefazat-e-Islam has become more prominent. Personalities such as the Peer of Charmoni have gained influence. Even Hizb ut-Tahrir, despite being outlawed, is visible with leaflets, posters, and marches. They are even convening press conferences,” Kalimullah said.
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Bangladesh’s political climate
The rally comes amid ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, a country of 170 million people that has witnessed growing tensions in recent months. The nation has been grappling with instability since an interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, took charge following protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s exit from power.
(With inputs from ANI, Reuters)
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