Is the Yunus-led interim government fueling radical Islamist forces in Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Accusation: Arafat claims the Yunus-led government is enabling radical Islamists.
- Evidence: A video shows the ISIS flag near the Parliament.
- Impact on Media: Radical groups allegedly attacked major media and cultural institutions.
- Historical Context: Opposition to Sheikh Hasina's government from radical factions.
- Future Implications: Concerns over national security and political stability.
Dhaka, Dec 26 (NationPress) Former Bangladesh Minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Ali Arafat has accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of transforming the nation into a center for radical Islamist forces.
Arafat posted a video on his social media channel X, showcasing the ISIS flag being waved near the Parliament building in Dhaka during the funeral of the extremist leader Sharif Osman Hadi. In this video, someone can be heard stating that in the near future, the ISIS flag will be hoisted atop the Parliament.
“How many instances must occur to demonstrate the influence of radical Islamists in Bangladesh under Yunus? The attached video displays an ISIS flag being waved. One participant at Osman Hadi’s funeral recorded this footage from the event. The Islamist, pointing to the flag, expresses that while it is shown here today, God willing, it will soon be raised on the Parliament building. He emphasizes their belief and anticipation that this objective will be realized very soon,” Arafat shared on X.
“The individuals who participated in Osman Hadi’s funeral reveal much about his character. This is the situation that Yunus has permitted to unfold in the country. Why wouldn’t he? He ultimately has their backing,” he added.
Arafat asserted that these radical Islamist forces previously opposed former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina due to her efforts to limit their sway and focus on enhancing the quality of life through economic growth. He noted that the protests in July and August 2024 were largely fueled by these radical factions, labeling it an “Islamist-led movement” against Hasina.
Earlier on Wednesday, Arafat claimed that radical Islamist groups were chiefly responsible for the assaults on Bangladesh's principal media outlets and cultural institutions following Hadi's demise.
“The premises of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, along with major Bangladeshi cultural organizations such as 'Chhayanaut' and 'Udichi Shilpigoshthi', were attacked in Dhaka by the violent supporters of Osman Hadi. These attackers largely came from radical Islamist factions,” Arafat posted on X.