COUNTER-TERRORISM IN BANGLADESH: THE IMPERATIVE FOR COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH

This article examines the challenge of counter-terrorism in Bangladesh, arguing for the imperative of a community-based approach to complement traditional, state-centric security measures. It analyzes the rise of domestic Islamist extremist groups in the country and the limitations of a purely law-enforcement or military-led response. The study posits that a sustainable counter-terrorism strategy must engage with and empower local communities to build resilience against extremist ideologies. The research explores the potential elements of a community-based approach, including partnerships between the police and community leaders, public awareness campaigns, and the promotion of a counter-narrative based on the country's tradition of religious tolerance. The paper concludes that while a strong security response is necessary, the long-term solution to terrorism lies in winning the "hearts and minds" of the people, a task that requires a deep and sustained engagement with civil society.

In the face of a growing threat from domestic terrorism, Bangladesh has largely relied on traditional, state-centric counter-terrorism strategies. This paper argues for a fundamental paradigm shift towards a more holistic, community-based approach. The study begins with a critical assessment of the limitations of the purely security-driven approach, which, it argues, can sometimes be counterproductive, alienating communities and creating a cycle of violence. The core of the article is the articulation of a comprehensive, community-based counter-terrorism framework. The first pillar of this framework is prevention. This involves working with families, schools, and religious institutions to identify and address the root causes of radicalization, such as poverty, a sense of injustice, and ideological indoctrination. The second pillar is partnership. The paper makes a strong case for building trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities, transforming the latter from passive spectators into active partners in the fight against extremism. This includes initiatives like community policing and the creation of local-level committees for dialogue and conflict resolution. The third pillar is the development of a powerful counter-narrative. The paper argues that the state and civil society must work together to actively promote the values of tolerance, pluralism, and moderation that are deeply rooted in Bengali culture, thereby challenging the extremist narrative at its source. The findings lead to a clear conclusion: a sustainable victory against terrorism cannot be achieved by the state alone but requires the mobilization of the entire society.