Jashimuddin Rahmani, the chief of the Islamist outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), has urged West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, to “free Bengal from Modi’s rule and declare its independence.” In a video that has gone viral, Rahmani made these bold statements just days after his release by Bangladesh’s interim government. His remarks have stirred a lot of controversy across both Bangladesh and India.
Request for Support from Pakistan and Afghanistan
In the same video, Rahmani also sought help from Pakistan and Afghanistan for the “independence of Jammu and Kashmir.” This plea came as a part of his broader call for “freedom movements” within India. Ansarullah Bangla Team, an offshoot of al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), is a banned organization in India. These statements have raised concerns about potential security threats in the region.
History of Ansarullah Bangla Team
The Ansarullah Bangla Team was founded with an extremist ideology, aiming to establish an Islamic state in Bangladesh and neighboring regions. The organization gained notoriety after its involvement in the killing of atheist blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider in 2013. Rahmani was arrested for inciting students to kill those critical of radical Islam. Although his activities were suppressed for a while, his release has reignited fears about the influence of Islamist extremism.
Video Authenticated by Dhaka-Based Fact-Checker
The controversial video featuring Rahmani’s statements was shot at a hospital and confirmed to be authentic by a Dhaka-based fact-checking agency. This video has spread rapidly across social media platforms, alarming authorities. In the clip, Rahmani made clear threats against India, asserting that Bangladesh is a nation of 18 crore Muslims and warning India not to treat it like Bhutan or Sikkim.
Bangladesh’s Strategic Role in South Asia
Bangladesh has historically played a significant role in South Asian geopolitics. As a country with a large Muslim population, it has managed to maintain diplomatic relationships with its neighbors, including India, China, and Pakistan. However, Rahmani’s statements challenge this stability by calling for radical actions like blocking the Siliguri Corridor—India’s lifeline to its northeastern states, also known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck.’
Rahmani’s Threat to Kashmir
In his message, Rahmani emphasized that Kashmir should prepare for freedom. He declared that Pakistan and Afghanistan would jointly help Kashmir achieve independence from India. This kind of rhetoric, while inflammatory, is not new in the region, as the Kashmir conflict has been a longstanding issue between India and Pakistan. Rahmani’s statements, however, add a dangerous Islamist element to the conflict, which could further complicate efforts for peace.
Rahmani’s Ongoing Radical Campaign
Since his release, Rahmani’s radical campaign seems to have intensified. He called upon not only Muslims in Bengal and Kashmir but also the Sikh community, especially those supporting the Khalistan movement, to rise for independence. His call for a pan-Indian uprising has alarmed intelligence agencies in India. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that extremist elements do not gain a foothold in the country.
Islamist Influence in Bangladesh
The rise of Islamist organizations like Ansarullah Bangla Team in Bangladesh has been a cause of concern for many years. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government had made considerable efforts to curb their influence by arresting key leaders like Rahmani. However, the recent political shifts in Bangladesh, with a new interim government under Muhammad Yunus, have led to the release of several radical figures, including Rahmani. This change has stirred political unrest in the country.
Rahmani’s Threat to Delhi
Rahmani’s statements did not stop at Bengal and Kashmir. He went on to claim that “the flags of the Tawhid” (a symbol of Islamic unity) would one day fly over Delhi. He warned that if Bangladesh’s sovereignty or Islamic values were threatened, the Tawhid population would rise against India, just as they had risen against Sheikh Hasina’s regime in Bangladesh.
India on High Alert
In response to Rahmani’s inflammatory statements, Indian intelligence agencies and security forces are on high alert, particularly in West Bengal and Kashmir. While his calls for independence have not garnered widespread support in India, they have the potential to ignite tensions in sensitive areas. Security experts are urging the Indian government to take precautionary measures to prevent any potential security breaches.
Radical Statements Draw Criticism
Rahmani’s provocative statements have drawn widespread criticism from political leaders in both India and Bangladesh. Many are concerned that such radical rhetoric could destabilize the region. The international community, especially neighboring countries, is watching closely as these developments unfold. In the meantime, both Indian and Bangladeshi governments are working to address the rising influence of Islamist extremism and maintain peace in the region.