Fundamentalism and Bangladesh: No error, no terror

Abstract

Even though the record-setting August 2005 explosion of over 500 bombs across Bangladesh killed only three people, the question if this is a new threat arena doomed to inflict even higher casualties cannot be escaped. Narrowing a generic discussion of fundamentalism, globalisation and terrorism to Bangladesh shows how five types and three levels of fundamentalism utilise globalised channels to bring terrorism closer. Distinguishing between mainstream and extremist Islam, the study finds that while legitimate participation in political coalition making empowers Islamic parties, it also unwittingly opens doors to jihadis. Alienated by chaotic politics, as people increasingly seek religious reassurances, jihadi entrepreneurs even benefit from an opportunity: exploiting 250,000 Bihari and 300,000 Rohingya refugees languishing in Bangladesh, utilising Wahhabi money, for whatever the purpose. The case is made to absorb refugees to reduce the potential terrorist pool, and thereby give meaning to the impressive ongoing economic performance.