Tensions escalated in Bangladesh&rsquo;s capital Dhaka, on Friday as police clashed with members of the banned Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir, who took to the streets demanding the establishment of an Islamic caliphate, defying government restrictions. The demonstration, held under the banner &lsquo;March for Khilafat,&rsquo; witnessed violent confrontations between protesters and security forces, leading to disruptions in the city&rsquo;s busy commercial district.
Unlawful Procession and Police Response
Hundreds of Hizb ut-Tahrir activists gathered at the Baitul Mukarram Mosque after Friday prayers, chanting slogans in favor of a caliphate. Despite prior warnings from law enforcement against public gatherings by banned groups, the protesters marched towards Paltan, defying police barricades. Initially, the procession moved uninterrupted for about 15 minutes before the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) intervened, using tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.
As tensions flared, demonstrators attempted to regroup and restart their rally, leading to further clashes. Protesters reportedly hurled bricks and stones at security forces, prompting another wave of police action to disperse them. The confrontation lasted around 30 minutes, bringing traffic in the Paltan-Baitul Mukarram area to a standstill and causing significant disruptions in the heart of the capital.
Government Crackdown on Banned Organizations
The Bangladesh government has maintained a strict stance against Hizb ut-Tahrir since banning the group in October 2009 for posing a national security threat. Despite the prohibition, the organization has continued to mobilize its members periodically, challenging the state&rsquo;s authority.
Earlier on Friday, ahead of the scheduled protest, the police headquarters issued a statement reiterating that any activities associated with the banned group are punishable offenses under Bangladesh&rsquo;s Anti-Terrorism Act-2009. The law criminalizes all forms of assembly, processions, and propaganda by outlawed groups, reinforcing the government&rsquo;s zero-tolerance policy against extremist elements.
Masud Alam, deputy commissioner of the Ramna Police Division, stated that law enforcement had successfully brought the situation under control. &ldquo;Several activists were detained, and we will provide further details on the number of arrests after investigation,&rdquo; he told reporters.
Hizb ut-Tahrir&rsquo;s Continued Defiance
Founded in 1953, Hizb ut-Tahrir is a transnational Islamist organization that advocates for the unification of Muslim-majority nations under a single caliphate. Although the group claims to pursue its objectives through peaceful means, governments worldwide, including in Bangladesh, have accused it of fomenting radical ideologies that threaten national security.
The organization has faced repeated crackdowns in Bangladesh since its ban in 2009, yet it has managed to regroup and organize sporadic protests over the years. The latest demonstration underscores its persistent defiance and the challenges the government faces in completely eradicating banned outfits.
Political and Social Implications
The unrest comes at a time when Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people, is grappling with broader political instability. The country has experienced heightened tensions since an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took over, following protests that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Against this backdrop, extremist factions such as Hizb ut-Tahrir appear to be exploiting the political vacuum to advance their agenda.
Security analysts warn that the reemergence of banned extremist groups in Bangladesh could destabilize the nation further. &ldquo;The government must adopt a multi-pronged strategy that not only focuses on law enforcement but also on countering radical ideologies through community engagement and education,&rdquo; said one expert on counterterrorism.
Legal Actions and Future Measures
Following the violent clashes, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Anti-Terrorism Act. In a statement issued by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman PPM, the police declared that any future attempts by Hizb ut-Tahrir or other banned outfits to organize rallies or distribute propaganda materials would result in swift legal action.
While authorities have managed to contain Friday&rsquo;s protest, the persistence of extremist groups underscores a broader challenge for Bangladesh&rsquo;s security apparatus. The government&rsquo;s ability to effectively curb such activities will be crucial in maintaining stability and preventing further unrest in the region.
As investigations continue, the country remains on high alert, with security forces monitoring potential threats from radical groups. The situation in Dhaka remains tense, but for now, law enforcement has restored order in the wake of Friday&rsquo;s clashes.
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'March for Khilafat' under the banned terror outfit 'Hizb ut-Tahrir' in Dhaka

Shoulder (90 characters): Bangladesh police use tear gas, sound grenades to disperse banned Hizb ut-Tahrir rally

Police Crack Down on Hizb ut-Tahrir’s Illegal March

Shoulder (90 characters): Bangladesh police use tear gas, sound grenades to disperse banned Hizb ut-Tahrir rally

March 7, 2025 | 17:19 IST