Islamist organisations in Bangladesh have warned the interim administration that officials “won’t get even 5 minutes to escape” if their demands are not granted, in a disturbing increase in language. This danger highlights how extremist elements have become more powerful in the nation since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in August 2024. Bangladesh on Edge.
Mass Rally in Dhaka Bangladesh on Edge
On May 3, 2025, thousands of followers of the Islamist organisation Hefazat-e-Islam gathered close to Dhaka University to demonstrate against proposed law amendments that would guarantee women’s equality, especially those pertaining to property rights. The group contends that these suggestions violate religious inheritance regulations and are in conflict with Sharia law. Banners against Western influence on women’s legislation were carried by protesters. On May 23, Hefazat-e-Islam vowed to hold more rallies across the country if their demands—which included disbanding the government’s reforms panel and taking severe measures against its members—were not fulfilled. Mamunul Haque, the leader of the group, said the actions of the interim administration were offensive to the religious feelings of the majority. Bangladesh on Edge.
Political Vacuum and Rise of Extremism
Since Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, Bangladesh’s political climate has remained unstable. Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel winner, is in charge of the interim administration, which has come under fire for how it has handled the crisis. Hasan Mahmud, the former foreign minister, charged that the interim administration was encouraging anti-Indian sentiment and giving extremist organisations more confidence, which resulted in a rise in violence against Hindu minorities. He asserted that since the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, extremist organisations, such as Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, had begun to operate.
Impact on Minorities
Religious minorities in Bangladesh have been significantly impacted by the emergence of Islamist organisations. Hindu communities are reportedly experiencing an uptick in violence and threats. Members of Jamaat-e-Islami have been charged with compiling lists of Hindu residences and businesses with the intention of targeting them. Islamist militants have blocked highways and are armed and patrolling the streets, making it impossible for many Hindus to relocate to safer areas. Bangladesh on Edge.
Regional Implications
Concerns have been aroused by the turmoil in Bangladesh in neighbouring India, especially in the states of Assam and Tripura in the northeast. According to intelligence sources, terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Ansarullah Bangla Team are exploiting the political unrest in Bangladesh to plot operations in India. It has also been emphasised how Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) assists terrorist groups.
International Concerns
Concern over the situation in Bangladesh has been voiced by the international community. Uze Bulut, a Turkish journalist, cautioned that Bangladesh’s extreme political organisation, Jamaat-e-Islami, is a threat to the West as well as other countries. He underlined that the party wants to create Islamic states with rigorous Sharia rule and utilises Islam as a political instrument.
Conclusion
Islamist organisations’ warning that the government “won’t get even 5 minutes to escape” is indicative of the rising hostilities in Bangladesh. For the interim government, the emergence of extremist elements, the persecution of minorities, and the regional ramifications of the turmoil present formidable obstacles. It will take coordinated efforts to address these problems in order to protect minority populations, bring stability back, and stop extremism from spreading both inside and outside of Bangladesh. Bangladesh on Edge.
Amid escalating tensions in Bangladesh, Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam has issued a stark warning to the interim government, stating officials “won’t get even 5 minutes to escape” if their demands are ignored. The threat came during a massive rally in Dhaka opposing proposed legal reforms aimed at promoting gender equality, which the group claims contradict Islamic law. As the country grapples with rising extremism following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, minority communities and civil society fear worsening violence and instability. The interim government has yet to formally respond to the ultimatum.
